CHANGE YOUR CLOCK, CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR, HEATING ASSISTANCE and NATURAL GAS SAFETY
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CHANGE YOUR CLOCK
Daylight savings time ends Sunday, November 3rd and the U.S. Consumer and Product Safety Commission (CPSC) encourages consumers to use the ‘extra hour they gain’ from daylight saving time to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, test the alarms and remind friends, family, neighbors and fellow community members to do the same. Fresh batteries allow smoke and CO alarms to do their jobs saving lives by alerting families of a fire or a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide in their homes.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
If you wonder if your carbon monoxide detectors are worn out, they probably are. CO detectors typically have a five to seven-year life. The manufacturer citing a build date or an expiration date on the label is a fairly new trend. If there's no date on yours and you can't remember when you bought it, you're probably due for a new one. Here are two key things to look for when you buy replacements. First, pick a detector with a “fuel-cell electrochemical” sensor. This type is far more sensitive to CO and less prone to false alarms than models from 10 years ago. There are other types of sensors on the market (metal oxide and gel cell) that offer longer life, but humidity and temperature changes can reduce their accuracy. When it comes to detecting carbon monoxide, it is recommended to choose accuracy over detector life span. Second, experts recommend choosing a model with a digital readout and a “peak level” memory retention feature. That's helpful to emergency personnel if they suspect CO poisoning. If you have small children, consider buying a talking CO detector. A voice warning is more effective than a horn at waking children. Since carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air, it neither rises toward the ceiling nor sinks to the floor, so detectors that don't have a digital display can be mounted anywhere as long as they're at least 15 in. below ceilings. Just make sure you install one on each level of your home. Locate them in hallways near bedrooms but at least 15 ft. away from fuel-burning appliances. Source: www.familyhandyman.com Additional information can be found on the Florence Utilities website: www.florenceutilitieswi.com/carbon-monoxide-poisoning
HEATING ASSISTANCE
The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to approximately 225,000 Wisconsin households annually. Most types of fuel are eligible to receive assistance. Whether you use wood, propane, natural gas, electricity or fuel oil to heat your home, energy assistance is available if you qualify. Contact Energy Services for Florence County at 800-506-5596 to schedule an appointment to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance through Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). For more information regarding the program see http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
NATURAL GAS SAFETY
It is wise to learn the three Rs of natural gas safety. Knowing how to RECOGNIZE, REACT and REPORT natural gas emergencies can help keep you and your family stay safe at home or at work. Recognize: Knowing how to recognize a natural gas emergency will help you react quickly. Signs of a natural gas leak my include: ‘rotten egg’ smell; blowing or hissing sound; dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area; dirt or dust blowing from a hole in the ground; bubbling in wet or flooded areas; flames – if a leak is ignited. React: Leave the area immediately then call Florence Utilities or dial 911 from a safe location. Do not use any electrical device, such as light switches or telephones (including cell phones), or appliances. Doing so could cause a spark and ignite the gas. Do not use an open flame, matches or lighters. Do not try to locate the source of the gas leak. Do not try to shut off any natural gas valves or gas appliances. Do not start vehicles. Do not re-enter the building or return to the area until authorized to do so by a qualified utility representative. Do not put out the flames if natural gas ignites. Burning gas will not explode. Report: If you think you have a natural gas emergency, go to a safe location; then call Florence Utilities at 715-528-3330 or dial 911. For more information regarding natural gas safety see our website: www.florenceutilitieswi.com.