Be careful with natural gas heating
With temperatures dropping, more people are firing up their furnaces.
Alliant Energy has advice for households that use natural gas to stay warm.
Carbon monoxide poisoning and natural gas leaks are the two greatest risks. If either of these are suspected, leave the premises immediately. Once you’ve reached a safe location, call Alliant Energy at 800-255-4268.
Furnace or gas appliance malfunctions can produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and deadly. Symptoms of poisoning include dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, confusion, nausea and fainting. It always requires medical attention, no matter how long you’ve been exposed.
To reduce the risk of poisoning, install carbon monoxide detectors and follow the instructions for operation, placement and maintenance. Be sure to make sure the batteries are working; it’s a good idea to check these detectors at the same time as smoke detectors.
To ensure proper ventilation and function, have a professional inspect your heating system.
Natural gas leaks are rare but dangerous and can result in fires, explosions, injuries or death. Warning signs include a rotten egg smell; hissing, roaring or whistling sounds near a gas appliance, meter or pipeline; dead or dying vegetation where the surrounding area is green; or blowing dirt or bubbling water in a pond, puddle, river or creek.
If you suspect a leak, leave the building and call Alliant at the previously mentioned number for a free check. If natural gas is blowing from anywhere in your home or an outside pipeline, call 911. Don’t stop to look for the leak or to open windows. Also, don’t use anything that might create a spark, such as cell phones, light switches or garage door openers.
To better ensure safety, never place a fire pit above a buried gas line. In addition, install a natural gas detector and follow the directions.
“Our number one priority is the safety of our customers,” said Richard Sublett, Alliant Energy senior manager of compliance and operational performance. “With winter approaching, we want customers to be safe when they turn on their furnaces and increase usage of other natural gas appliances.”
For more information, visit www.alliantenergy.com/gas.
