(image: Freepik)
Recent temperatures are the coldest we’ve seen since mid-February, and utility companies are urging Minnesotans to keep safety in mind in the home this week as you try to stay warm.
CenterPoint Energy’s Spokesperson Joshua Solis says keep a few things in mind if you’re using alternative or supplemental heating sources…
“Temperatures start to drop, people are using their furnaces more often, and they might be using things like space heaters, so we encourage everyone to use that space heater safely. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating. Make sure that you’re using a space heater appropriately.”
He says you also want to make sure you’re checking carbon monoxide and smoke detectors…
“Make sure you’re checking those batteries and changing them regularly, and this might be surprising to many folks, but those alarms don’t last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We want to encourage folks if they smell natural gas to act fast.”
Solis says natural gas has a distinct rotten egg or sulfur smell. If you think there might be a natural gas leak, leave immediately and call emergency responders.
(content: in part, courtesy MNN)
