2/7/2007
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
 |
Efforts underway to keep people warm, safe during frigid temps
INDIANAPOLIS –Mayor Bart Peterson today joined community leaders and Indianapolis Fire Department Chief Jim Greeson to outline local efforts and programs aimed at keeping residents safe and warm during the frigid days ahead.
After a mild beginning to this year’s winter season, the city is experiencing its coldest freeze of the year, with temperatures plunging to dangerously cold levels. Community and city leaders outlined the health risks associated with bitterly cold temperatures and provided steps people can take to mitigate the dangers, including safety precautions involving the use of home space heaters. They also highlighted local programs made available to people who may be struggling to pay their energy bill and keep the heat on.
“From an improperly used space heater sparking a house fire, to families facing freezing temperatures in their own home when then can’t afford to pay an energy bill -- all too often, bitterly cold temperatures can turn tragic,” Mayor Peterson. “There are programs in place and steps people can take to avert these circumstances. We are doing everything we can to keep residents safe and warm this winter season.”
Winter Assistance Fund. The Mayor and United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) President and CEO Ellen K. Annala encouraged residents at risk of having their gas or electricity turned off during these frigid temperatures to seek help through the Winter Assistance Fund, which is in place to help low-income individuals and families stay warm by assisting with paying heating costs. The Winter Assistance Fund is for people whose income exceeds guidelines for government energy assistance, yet still have difficulty keeping up with high winter heating bills. Individuals must meet income guidelines to be eligible for assistance.
People can apply for help through the Winter Assistance Fund or government programs, like the Energy Assistance Program administered by local Community Action Agencies throughout the state, by visiting their nearest township trustee’s office or community center. Those who need more information about these programs or help locating an application can simply call the help line at 2-1-1.
Last year, the Winter Assistance Fund helped 1,132 households, including seniors and families with children, by providing more than $317,000 in assistance.
"No one should have to freeze in their own home because of an unpaid heating bill, and we have programs and assistance in place to prevent this from happening,” Mayor Peterson said.
Space heater and fire safety. Nearly every winter season, tragedies occur from fires caused by the improper use of a space heaters. Indianapolis Fire Chief Jim Greeson said those risks can be mitigated by using the following safety precautions:
- Choose a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- An automatic cut-off device is now required to turn off electric or kerosene space heaters if they tip over.
- Place the space heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpet or near bedding or drapes.
- Keep the space heater at least 3-feet from bedding, drapes, furniture or other flammable materials.
- Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.
- Turn the space heater off if you leave the room.
- Do not use an extension cord.
- Thoroughly read and follow the manufacture’s directions.
The chief also reminded residents that smoke detectors save lives and encouraged everyone to make sure they have working smoke detectors in their home. And residents should not use stoves or ovens to heat their homes because of the potential fire hazard.
Citzens Gas has outlined steps customers should take to prevent accidents caused from natural gas leaks. Natural gas from local distribution companies has an odor similar to rotten eggs so that even the smallest leaks can be detected. Citizens recommends the following:
- Do not turn on any lights or use the telephone.
- Ensure everyone leaves the home/building immediately. Use a telephone away from the building to call Citizens Gas, 924-3311, any time of day or night.
- There is no charge for calling the gas company to check for a gas leak. Citizens Gas is available to immediately respond 24 hours a day.
Winter Contingency Plan for homeless. A Winter Contingency Plan is in place to provide assistance and relief to the homeless during freezing temperatures. Wheeler Mission Ministries is the coordinating agency and leads the effort to find shelter space for among the 10 emergency shelters in Indianapolis for those without a home. The plan outlines steps for partnering organizations to handle the overflow of homeless clients and families that occurs the during cold winter nights. For more information about the Winter Contingency Plan, call Wheeler Mission Ministries at 687-6795.
-30-
|
