Vectren Corporation has
added a news release to its Investor Relations website.
Title: Vectren issues safety reminders for
the winter heating season
Date(s): 11/14/2007
For a complete listing
of our news releases, please click here
With the winter heating
season now underway, Vectren Energy Delivery (Vectren) wants to remind
customers to use natural gas safely throughout the winter months. Having a
furnace tune-up by a professional, knowing how to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning and being aware of the safety precautions associated with the use
of space heaters are the best ways to keep your household safe throughout
the year.
"Many customers
recently have or will be turning on their natural gas furnaces for the
first time in several months," said Doug Karl, Vectren's vice
president of marketing and customer service. "It's important to make
sure your heating equipment is operating safely and efficiently, and a
qualified heating contractor can provide an important annual checkup to
identify potential problems with your natural gas furnace."
Customers should also
consider the safety precautions associated with home heating, the use of
natural gas and the use of electric space heaters.
Space Heater Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) supplemental
heating equipment, such as electrical and kerosene heaters, is the leading
cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. To
help prevent fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the use of space
heaters, adhere to the following tips.
* Install and use appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.
* Consider using space heaters with automatic shut-off capabilities.
* Never use unvented gas or kerosene heaters in closed spaces, especially
sleeping areas.
* Don't use gas appliances such as an oven, range, or clothes dryer to heat
the home.
* Leave a window cracked about an inch for ventilation and fresh air. Ventilation
is important to keep fuel-burning space heaters from consuming too much
oxygen in the house.
* Do not leave a space heater on when you are not in the room or when you
go to sleep.
* Electric space heaters should be checked for signs of fraying or
splitting wires or overheating. Likewise, electric space heaters frequently
cause fires by overloading electrical outlets.
* Keep space heaters away from combustible materials/products.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas produced by the incomplete burning of
different fuels including gasoline, kerosene, wood, coal, propane, natural
gas and fuel oil. High concentrations of CO can cause illness and excessive
levels can be fatal. If you suspect CO in your home, get fresh air
immediately and call 911. To prevent CO in your home:
* Make sure all appliances are properly installed and maintained and have a
heating professional clean and check your heating and venting system every
year.
* Check vents, flue pipes and chimneys for corrosion or blockage.
* Never run a vehicle or fuel-burning equipment in an enclosed place.
* Install a CO detector to add an extra measure of safety.
If you smell natural gas
In its most pure state, natural gas has no odor. That's why Vectren adds a
chemical with a very distinctive odor which smells like rotten eggs. If you
or a family member suspect a gas leak, you should:
* Leave the premises immediately.
* Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of
the suspected leak.
* Do not re-enter the building until Vectren or fire safety officials say
it is safe to do so.
Please note: There is no charge to the customer for calling Vectren to
inspect a potential gas leak. Vectren will respond 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year.
About Vectren
Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered
in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas
and/or electricity to more than one million customers in adjoining service
territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio.
Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer
energy-related products and services to customers throughout the Midwest
and Southeast. These include gas marketing and related services; coal
production and sales; and energy infrastructure services. To learn more about
Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.
###
Media contact: Chase Kelley, 812-491-4128 or kckelley@vectren.com
|