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DENVER –
Energy Outreach Colorado is offering tips to Coloradans on how to stay
safe and warm in their homes during the holiday season.
“This time of year
people often take extra steps to keep their homes warm, such as lighting
a fire in the fireplace or using a space heater,” said Shelly Wallace,
director of energy education for Energy Outreach Colorado, a non-profit
which supports energy assistance and energy efficiency programs for
limited income families and seniors.
“At the same time,
candles and other holiday decorations are set out in homes, people are
busy with guests and extra activities, and the combination can be
dangerous if precautions aren’t taken,” she added.
Wallace offers these
home safety tips:
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Watch candles
carefully and use sturdy, safe candleholders that can collect
dripping wax. Keep candles away from children and anything that can
ignite, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, flammable liquids,
Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Don’t place lit candles in
windows, where blinds or curtains can close over or come in contact
with them. Blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
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Check that heating
vents are unblocked and working properly and the furnace is cleaned
and maintained. Change furnace filters once every two months
throughout the year and do not store flammable liquids in the same
room.
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Make sure power and
extension cords are certified by an independent testing laboratory
and aren’t frayed, cracked or cut. Follow the rating for indoor or
outdoor use.
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Keep working
flashlights on hand and avoid using a candle for emergency lighting.
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Install a carbon
monoxide alarm in bedrooms to detect dangerous build-ups of unvented
carbon monoxide from fueled heaters or other sources.
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If you use a
wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned
annually and use a sturdy fireplace screen. Do not burn trash,
including gift wrap, because it can burn too quickly and intensely.
Wallace noted that
portable space heaters aren’t the most efficient or safe way to heat a
home, but if you choose to use them, follow these safety steps:
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Make sure your
portable electric space heater carries the mark of an independent
testing laboratory (US, CSA or ETL) and has an automatic shut-off
feature that activates if it is tipped over.
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Operate a portable
space heater only when an adult is in the room and keep it at least
three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture,
clothing, bedding and people.
“Under no circumstance
should you use your oven or a barbecue grill as a heating source because
it can be very dangerous and result in a fire or a serious burn,”
Wallace added.
In addition, Wallace
encouraged residents that are worried about being able to afford their
energy bill to seek assistance by calling toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP
(1-866-432-8435) or going to Energy Outreach Colorado’s website at
www.EnergyOutreach.org.
People wanting to donate to Energy Outreach Colorado can also call the
toll-free number or go to the website.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help limited income
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed more than
$83 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency
upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy
Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions
and foundation grants. It has received top ratings from Charity
Navigator for six consecutive years and is a Better Business Bureau
Accredited Charity. Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can
be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO
80203-1612. |
