Home Heating Safety

Citizen Energy wants you heat your home safely this winter.

Smoke and CO Detector Giveaway January 5 th , 12 th and the 19 th

“Although gas bills are projected to be $10 less this January compared to last, Citizens knows some customers still struggle to pay their heating bill,” said Carey Lykins, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group. “While financial assistance is available, some customers will still choose to heat their home with alternative heating sources.”

Home Heating Safety Tips

Smoke Detectors: Have a working smoke detector on every floor of the home, ideally near bedrooms.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: If you have fuel burning appliances in your home make sure you have a working CO detector. Follow manufacture instructions on best location and how to install.

Space Heaters: Keep space heaters three feet from flammable items like furniture or blankets. Turn space heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed—never leave a space heater unattended. Only purchase space heaters with an automatic shut off and a guard around the heating source.

Furnace: Have a licensed contractor inspect your furnace annually and replace air filters every 30 days. Keep area around furnace clear of any combustible materials such as brooms, mops, fuel, etc.

Oven and Stove: Do not use an oven or stove as an alternative heating source. Turning on burners and/or opening the oven door in order to heat a home can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. When operating a stove, turn pot and pan handles inward so children cannot grab them. Never leave food cooking unattended.

Fireplace: Clean fireplace annually in order to avoid creosote buildup. When operating a fireplace, make sure it has a screen in order to contain stray embers. Keep all combustibles three feet from the fireplace.

On Saturday, January 5, 12 and 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Citizens will be handing out a limited supply of free smoke and CO detectors in its customer service lobby located at 2020 N. Meridian Street.

Customers having trouble paying their heating bill should contact Citizens at 924-3311 to see if they qualify for financial assistance.

www.citizensenergygroup.com