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.

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

• Have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Also maintain carbon monoxide alarms in a central location outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• 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.
• If you or your family suddenly experiences severe headaches or feels nauseated, tired, dizzy or faint, or if you smell something similar to rotten eggs, leave your home immediately, without using any electric or battery-powered items. It could be a natural gas leak. 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 liquids and spray cans at least 3 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 
• 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.
• In the event of a power outage:
  • Keep a flashlight and a battery-powered radio nearby.
  • Report outages to 353-HELP (353-4357) or call toll-free at 1-800 870-1006 in rural areas.
  • View our Power Outage page for more information related to outages in your area.