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DENVER – Frigid temperatures mean higher winter heating bills and a
greater need for caution, according to Energy Outreach Colorado.
“According to weather records, last month was the coldest December in
Colorado since 1983, and the seventh coldest since weather records were
started in 1872,” said Skip Arnold, executive director at Energy
Outreach Colorado.
“That, combined with the below-zero temperatures we’re experiencing this
week, is going to result in increased energy bills for January and
February,” he added. “We anticipate a greater number of households will
be seeking assistance in the coming weeks.”
Energy Outreach provides funding to 131 emergency assistance
organizations across the state to help limited income households pay
overdue energy bills. Information about how to apply for assistance, or
to donate, is available at www.EnergyOutreach.org or by calling
toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).
From a safety standpoint, Energy Outreach urges people to avoid the
temptation of using unsafe measures to heat their homes, such as an oven
or an outside appliance like a barbecue grill, which could result in a
fire or a buildup of carbon monoxide. Other safety tips include:
• Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near bedrooms to detect
dangerous build-ups. CO can’t be detected by smell, taste or sight and
can reach dangerous levels when fuels such as natural gas, kerosene,
wood or gasoline don’t have enough oxygen to burn efficiently.
• Make sure heating vents are not blocked and the furnace is cleaned and
maintained. Change furnace filters once every two months and do not
store flammable liquids in the same room.
• With a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected and cleaned
annually and use a sturdy fireplace screen. Do not burn trash because it
can burn too quickly and intensely.
• Check that 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.
• With candles, use sturdy, safe candleholders that can collect dripping
wax. Keep them away from children and anything that can ignite, such as
clothing, books, paper, curtains and flammable liquids. Blow them out
when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Make sure portable electric space heaters carry the mark of an
independent testing laboratory (US, CSA or ETL) and have an automatic
shut-off feature.
• Never use an extension cord with a space heater. Always plug the
heater into the wall socket and keep all flammable materials including
furniture at least three feet away.
• Keep firefighting materials on-hand. These include dry powder fire
extinguishers, a tarp or heavy blanket, sand, salt, baking soda and
water.
• Don’t thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Use
warm water or a UL rated hand-held blow dryer.
About Energy Outreach
Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help low income
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed $115
million to fund programs for energy assistance and energy efficient
affordable housing. Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private
donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants. It has
received top ratings from Charity Navigator for eight consecutive years
and is the top-rated charity in the country for consecutive top ratings.
It is also an accredited charity member of the Better Business Bureau.
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. |
