INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Gas announced today that it will distribute 1,000 free smoke alarms during the month of February at its Customer Service Center at 2020 N. Meridian Street . The utility will distribute 250 dual sensor smoke alarms each Saturday during February from 8-10 a.m.

The company made the announcement in conjunction with Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams, Indianapolis Fire Chief James Greeson, and Rev. Fitzhugh Lyons, of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

“In recent years, there have been a number of tragic fires across Indiana in the second half of the winter heating season. Citizens Gas is working with community partners to urge everyone to have working smoke alarms on each level of their home and to be very careful using any kind of space heater,” said Carey Lykins, President and CEO of Citizens Gas & Coke Utility.

Citizens Gas also would like to remind anyone needing help paying their utility bill to call Connect-to-Help at 211 . Various sources of energy assistance may be available to customers in need.

Including the latest donation, Citizens Gas will have distributed about 5,000 free smoke alarms since last October through various community partners including IFD and area churches.

Home Heating Safety Tips:

• Smoke alarms save lives – Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Check the batteries – Check smoke alarm batteries each month by pressing the alarm button.
• Survive alive – Have a home evacuation plan that you practice at least once a year with your family.
• Carbon monoxide – Have at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in your home. CO can be created my malfunctioning or poorly vented furnaces, space heaters or fire places that use combustible fuels such as gas, wood, propane, kerosene, coal or oil.

Space Heater Safety:

• Keep space heaters away from rugs, furniture, draperies and other combustible materials/products.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Do not plug electric space heaters into an extension cord.
• Do not use space heaters in bedrooms or in any room where you sleep.

About Citizens Gas
Citizens Gas & Coke Utility is a Public Charitable Trust providing efficient and reliable energy services to more than 266,000 customers in and around Marion County. The Public Charitable Trust means the utility is managed only for the benefit of customers and the community.

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