Glass City Jungle

This in via e-mail from the Red Cross, though I don’t want to think about winter? We need to:

The Red Cross and Columbia Gas Encourage Safe Home Heating Practices This Winter

As temperatures begin to dip across Northwest Ohio, the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and Columbia Gas of Ohio have joined together to urge families to make sure their home heating systems are operating properly, and to be cautious when using space heaters and other heating sources.

Despite near decade-low natural gas prices, economic conditions may prompt many homeowners to turn to alternative heating sources, including space heaters, fireplaces or wood and coal stoves. These heating sources are the leading cause of winter fires, and increase during December, January and February.

Last year the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to more than 200 home fires across Northwest Ohio.

“Helping maintain a safe, reliable source of home heating is a priority for Columbia Gas,” says Chris Kozak, Columbia Gas of Ohio Communications and Community Relations Manager. “And we understand that in the current economy many families are struggling to make ends meet. We will work with customers to try to ensure service is not interrupted. At the first sign they may have problems paying their natural gas bills, customers should contact Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077.”

To reduce the risk of heating-related fires, the Red Cross recommends keeping anything that can burn such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment and fireplaces and to never leave these unattended.

Utilizing the oven, camp stoves, charcoal grills or candles to heat a home is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged.

Homeowners using alternative heat sources such as fuel-burning appliances or those that may be powered by a gasoline generator are encouraged to take extra caution ventilating such devices in confined spaces. Their use generates carbon monoxide, which can be an invisible, odorless and silent killer.

In early 2009, a Point Place family of four needed to be rescued from their home and received emergency attention following exposure to carbon monoxide.

“Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in addition to their smoke alarms,” said Jodie Tienvieri, Communications Manager at the Red Cross. “Both carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are relatively inexpensive and easy-to-maintain devices that have been proven to save lives and should be a key part of your family fire prevention and safety plan.”

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, visit here.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.

Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Serving approximately 1.4 million customers in 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve approximately 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio is available at: www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com.