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For Immediate Release
SAINT
PAUL – Because winter is still far from over, the Minnesota Department of
Commerce reminds Minnesotans of some basic tips to stay warm and safe through
the end of the heating season.
“Safety
should always come first when heating our homes,” said Commerce Commissioner
Jessica Looman. “We want all Minnesotans to be
both safe and warm in the winter, so we encourage people to follow basic safety
tips and also apply for energy assistance if they are having trouble paying their
heating bills.”
Make sure smoke
alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are working. These are essential
parts of home safety and are required by code in every home. They can warn of a
fire or a dangerous malfunction with a furnace, water heater, fireplace or
stove. Test monthly and replace batteries every year.
Use space heaters safely. Any space heater that burns with an open flame (such
as wood, natural gas, propane or kerosene) must be vented to the outside to
prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide and other gases. To avoid burns
and fire hazards, keep children and flammable materials at least three feet
away from all space heaters.
Keep snow and ice clear of furnace exhaust
vents, air intake hoods and chimneys.
This ensures safe, efficient heating and prevents potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
Inspect heating systems annually. Every year furnaces, water heaters and other
devices fail because of improper maintenance, cleaning or adjustment. This
costs money with emergency repairs and higher energy costs. Equipment operating
improperly can also lead to dangerous conditions, including carbon monoxide leaks.
Apply for energy assistance if you are
struggling to pay your heating bills. The
Minnesota Energy
Assistance Program, administered by the Commerce Department, is an essential
safety net for vulnerable Minnesotans. Energy assistance helps pay heating
bills through grant money paid directly to utility companies and heating fuel
vendors. It can also help some households repair or replace malfunctioning heating
systems.
Energy assistance is available to Minnesota homeowners
and renters who earn less than 50 percent of the state’s median annual income
($48,077 for a family of four). Qualifying
households apply through the local service provider in their area. To find your
local service provider, call the Commerce Department toll-free at 800-657-3710
or visit the Energy Assistance Program section of the Commerce
website (mn.gov/commerce).
Media Contact
Ross Corson
Director of Communications
Minnesota Department of Commerce
p: 651-539-1463 | c: 651-368-5050 | ross.corson@state.mn.us
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