For Release: 09/11/2009
Michigan Gas Utilities Asks Customers to be Safe
Cooler Temperatures Means Residents May Already be Using Furnaces
Monroe, MI - It may still be early September, but Mother Nature has already given residents across Michigan a taste of the cooler months ahead. With temperatures dropping, Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) is encouraging all customers to put home safety at the forefront and make sure they are practicing the appropriate safety measures, as they begin to turn on their furnaces.
"Fluctuating temperatures and cool overnights are leading people to begin using their furnaces," said Paul Livernois, Manager of External Affairs. "Along with providing safe and reliable natural gas service to our customers, we want to ensure they are armed with information to enable them to use their heating equipment and appliances in a safe manner."
The following tips will ensure a safe start to the heating season:
- Ensure the furnace is cleaned and any heating equipment should be inspected by a qualified technician.
- Keep the area around the furnace "clutter free" to avoid a fire hazard; never store flammables near a furnace.
- Check furnace filters at the start of this heating season and replace them monthly, or when necessary.
- Make sure that furnace panels and grills are in place and the fan compartment door is closed when the furnace is on; leaving these doors open could cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in living areas.
- Make sure the flames of a furnace are blue; a yellow flame could indicate the presence of CO.
- Have CO detectors installed and operating with fresh batteries, NOW is the time to do that.
MGU would also like to remind its customers that September 30, is the deadline for applying for Michigan's Home Heating Credit for 2009. The credit assists low-income customers with winter energy bills. The Home Heating Credit is funded by the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant. The form may be obtained by calling 1-800-827-4000; it is also available on the Department of Treasury Website www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance.
"Also, let's remember our elderly neighbors and family members as the weather will eventually turn cold, Livernois added. Granted, we still have a beautiful autumn to enjoy, yet the time is coming when it will be a good idea to check in with them occasionally, to ensure everyone is fine."
Before winter's chill takes its full grasp on the city and surrounding areas, MGU also encourages customers to manage their energy use more efficiently, by preparing their homes now through weatherization and energy conservation.
For more information on home safety and energy saving conservation tips, please visit MGU's website at www.michigangasutilities.com.
For More Information, Contact:
- Michigan Gas Utilities Customer Service
800-401-6402