Citizens, IFD give away smoke detectors

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The first of three smoke detector giveaways in January was held Saturday morning.

Citizens Energy Group, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and Aaron York’s Quality Air joined together for a home heating safety demonstration at IFD’s Survive Alive Village on Massachusetts Avenue, according to a release.

A demonstration on Saturday provided fire safety tips for operating an oven, furnace, space heater and fireplace.

Those who were unable to attend the demonstration and smoke detector distribution can attend an upcoming distribution in the customer service lobby of Citizens located at 2020 N. Meridian Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 19.

Smoke and CO detectors will be distributed while supplies last.

A list of home heating safety tips are listed below:

• 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.