UGI offers simple tips to keep the holiday season safe

by UGI Utilities

The next few weeks will be a busy time for many people celebrating the holidays or holding gatherings at home. As UGI Utilities continues to focus on providing safe and reliable energy services, the natural gas and electricity provider offers these safety tips to remember and share with others:

A crowded house means more noses, and if any of them smell gas, everyone should act quickly! If you smell the rotten egg smell mixed with the natural gas, you should evacuate everyone and be at least a football field away before calling 9-1-1 or UGI at 800-276-2722. Don’t turn anything on or off on the way out.

Don’t wait to have your heating system professionally serviced. Defective heaters and fuel-burning appliances can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Make sure there are working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. If one goes out, evacuate immediately and call UGI or 9-1-1. Additionally, consider adding an extra layer of security with a natural gas detector in your home.

Your kitchen will likely be a busy place and a potential source of fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the nation’s most important day for cooking fires. Keep flammable items away from hot surfaces. Clean to prevent grease buildup. Turn off your stove and oven when you’re done. And make sure your smoke detectors are working and you have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Make a turkey delicious and not dangerous. If roasted turkey is on your holiday menu, always thaw it before roasting. Place the deep fryer at least 3 meters away from your home. Keep children and pets away from the deep fryer. And never leave a roasting turkey unattended.

Avoid dangers when decorating. Make sure Christmas trees, gifts, decorations and wrapping paper are kept away from fireplaces, radiators and other heating sources. Turn off tree lights and lighted decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. If you have a live tree, make sure it is watered every day. Also, discard any lights that are damaged or show excessive wear. Do not string extension cords together. And unplug extension cords when not in use.