During the winter months, days are shorter and outside temperatures are lower, increasing the need for the use of home heating equipment.  However, heating equipment also is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February.

This season, as temperatures begin to drop, be prepared. Use the following tips to reduce accidents while keeping your home warm from the winter chill:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside sleeping areas.
• A natural gas appliance getting adequate oxygen and adjusted properly will have a blue pilot or burner flame. A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem and should be checked by a qualified technician. 
• If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, open windows to ventilate the area and shut off your furnace and other natural gas appliances.
• You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. If you or your family suddenly experiences severe headaches or feels nauseated, tired, dizzy or faint, get out of your home immediately. Call 9-1-1 and CPS Energy at 353-HELP (353-4357). Do not use a telephone or flashlight, do not switch lights on or off, and do not light a match when you smell natural gas in your home.  CPS ENERGY VIDEO TIP 
• Keep flammable materials at least three feet from heating equipment including your furnace or portable heater.
• Portable space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before you go to bed.
• Never place anything on top of a space heater.
• Purchase heaters with a "tip switch." These switches turn the heaters off if they are knocked over.
• When using a gas space heater, leave a window open a couple of inches for proper ventilation.
• Never use the kitchen range as a space heater. This can damage the range and produce dangerous carbon monoxide.  CPS ENERGY VIDEO TIP 
• Teach small children to stay away from gas appliances.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions with all appliances. Have home-heating appliances installed, serviced and repaired by qualified professionals.  Have your central heating system inspected annually by a licensed professional.
• Keep a (A, B, C rated) dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Keep chimney flues and vents for appliances clean and in good condition.