SDG&E ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER HEATING SEASON

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December 3, 2014 (San Diego)-- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is partnering with customers to promote safety during the winter season. SDG&E offers customers free safety checks to make sure home gas appliances are operating safely and efficiently. Customers are encouraged to schedule these appliance checks by visiting the “Check my appliances” link on sdge.com or by calling 800-411-SDGE (7343).

Caroline Winn, vice president of customer service for SDG&E, says that safety is very important  during the winter season because people often use holiday lighting, spend more time indoors and heat their homes to stay warm.  She says, “Scheduling an appliance safety check on sdge.com is an easy way for our customers to make sure their gas appliances are working properly. “

Once an appointment is scheduled, an SDG&E gas technician will check the furnace to make sure it is working properly and inspect the condition of the filter, which improves the furnace’s heating ability. 

The main safety risk that technicians are looking for is carbon monoxide. This colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is formed when carbon-based fuels, such as kerosene, gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, charcoal or wood, are burned with inadequate amounts of oxygen, creating a condition known as incomplete combustion.    

Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly, which is one of the reasons all California homeowners are now required to install carbon monoxide detectors in their home. SDG&E also recommends customers change the battery in their carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.

You can also periodically check gas appliances yourself  to make sure pilot lights and burner flames are a clear blue. Small flecks of orange are normal.  But soft yellow burner flame can be a sign of carbon monoxide. Always make sure the damper is open when using gas fireplaces and never use gas ovens or other appliances for space heating. 

These safety measures greatly reduce the risks of carbon monoxide. But you should still be aware of the early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include unexplained nausea, drowsiness mental confusion and flu-like symptoms.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, Immediately turn off the suspected gas appliance, if safe to do so. Evacuate the premises and call 911. Seek medical attention if anyone in the home experiences possible carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.

Have the appliance inspected by contacting SDG&E at 800-411-7343 or a licensed, qualified professional.

Don’t use the suspected gas appliance until it has been inspected, serviced and determined to be safe by SDG&E or a licensed, qualified professional.

In addition to gas safety, electric safety is also important during winter, especially when customers are celebrating the holidays. If you are using holiday lighting, SDG&E recommends purchasing only lights with the certification mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure safety and efficiency.  

Portable heaters, electric blankets and other heat-producing products shouldn’t be used with extension cords, which can be overloaded by these types of devices. Instead, customers should plug them directly into the wall and unplug them before leaving the house.

Also keep heaters at a safe distance from furniture, blankets, draperies and other objects that could catch fire; and don’t use them to dry wet clothes. To avoid overloading circuits, use laboratory-tested power strips and low-wattage appliances and do not plug more than two appliances into any outlet.

For more winter safety tips, visit sdge.com/winter.

 

 


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