The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/895273
Avoid use of alternative heating, exercise caution when necessary Cooler weather is expected this week, and Hoosiers trying to avoid turning on the heat should exercise caution when using alternative methods to heat their homes. "Alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and fire- related deaths each year," said State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. "Fires caused by al- ternative heating equipment account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the United States." Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take precautions if alternative sources are in use. Here are a few tips to safely stay warm this season: SPACE HEATERS AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE HEATING • Avoid using space heaters and other alternative heating if possible. • Keep at least a three-foot perimeter around space heaters at all times. • Space heaters should be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. • Only one space heater should be plugged into each electrical outlet. Never overload electrical outlets. • Do not leave space heaters on in un- occupied rooms. • If it is necessary to purchase a space heater, consider purchasing one with a built-in tilt sensor that automatically shuts off if tipped over. • Refuel kerosene space heaters outside the home in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to let them cool down first if they were re- cently used. • Appliances such as ovens should nev- er be used for heating. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. FIREPLACES • Fireplaces should be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional. Gas fireplaces should have proper ventila- tion, with a working carbon monoxide de- tector nearby. • Use only dry, seasoned firewood to prevent build-up of creosote, which can prevent the chimney from venting properly. • Make sure not to close the damper too early when hot ashes are still in the fire- place. Doing so can force dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the home. • Avoid using flammable liquid to start fires in fireplaces or wood stoves. Always have a fire extinguisher on hand in case the fire gets out of control. Remember, fires should always be extin- guished and any alternative heating sourc- es turned off before going to bed or leav- ing the home. LONG UNDERWEAR, INSULATION AND OTHER OPTIONS Marshal Greeson strongly advises Hoo- siers to consider other options before us- ing alternative heating. • Wear long underwear. It might sound old fashioned, but this will reduce bodily heat loss and enhance warmth and com- fort. One layer of thermal long underwear can allow for a savings on heating costs. Af- ter all, each person's body is a human fur- nace that generates heat. • Caulk can stop drafts and decrease heat loss. Fewer drafts can help with bodi- ly warmth. • Move while inside. Work out, dance, clean or simply stand and move. • Bake cookies, cake, pie or cook din- ner. Having the oven on will help with re- sidual heat, but don't use the stove top or oven to heat a home. SMOKE ALARMS Working smoke alarms are important all year around, but they can be especially im- portant in the winter months with the added risk of alternative heating sources. Accord- ing to the Red Cross, families have as little as two minutes to safely escape a burning home, and having a working smoke alarm can double a person's chance of surviving. "Test your smoke alarm to make sure it works. Even if it responds correctly, if you don't remember the last time you changed your batteries, do it today. If you don't have a smoke alarm, buy one and install it. If you don't have the funds, contact your local fire department, Red Cross or social ser- vice agency to see if one can be provided," says Greeson. For more tips on smoke alarms, as well as fire and alternative heat safety, visit Get- Prepared.in.gov. By Cindy Petty SG Star-Times Staff Writer cpetty@sgstartimes.com On Dec. 7, Richard and Jennifer Thomas, along with their daughter and son-in-law Miesha and Jeremy Branch, will celebrate four years of provid- ing good quality, low cost furniture and mattress- es in the Gibson County area. "We are family- owned and operated with a no-commission sales staff. We can help you get financing. It's big city inventory with a hometown touch," Richard noted. If you are looking for quality furniture at reason- able prices, you need to head to Richard's Furni- ture & Mattress today! Richard is currently offer- ing his entire stock of furniture at low, low prices. "This is a great opportunity for you to buy quality furniture at a reasonable price," Richard noted. The Thomases pride themselves on being fo- cused on what the customer needs – and not what a commissioned salesperson wants to sell them. Earlier this year, the Thomases opened a second store, selling high quality mattresses and bed- ding. Richard's Mattress Warehouse can be found at 521 W. Graves St. in Patoka. Both stores of- fer high quality items at a portion of the prices you'd find at other stores. More than 30 Ameri- can-namebrand companies are represented, in- cluding Jamison, Catnapper, Jackson, Vaughan, Bassett and more. The store is located on 108 N. Main St., Princ- eton. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They can be reached at 812- 385 -3855. RICHARD'S FURNITURE & MATTRESS If you didn't buy it at Richard's, you probably paid too much Berry's Produce & Country Market 1415 W. Brumfield, Princeton (812) 386-6365 Homemade Noodles Apple & Pumpkin Butter Local Apples Fall Squash Fresh Florida Oranges Homegrown Sweet Potatoes Fresh Farm Eggs Fresh Local Jellies & Honey Variety of Meats & Cheeses Holiday Gifts & Decor Mon.-Fri.: 9-6 Sat.: 9-4, Sun.: 11-4 COME IN FOR DELICIOUS GOODIES! Holland Store Only Equipment Company 407 E. KENTUCKY, HOLLAND (812) 536-3486 www.BLESCHBROS.com We service what we sell! Goldsmith The Since 1991 812-386-7149 205 N. Embree, Princeton Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Beauty For All Budgets Seiko & Pulsar Watches In-Stock Now Layaway Now for Christmas Diamond Engagement Rings and Wedding Sets See our selection of Colored Diamonds Necklaces • Earrings • Rings 104 N. Main, Owensville 812-724-3501 M-F 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.holdersfurniture.net DINING ROOM FURNITURE UP TO 40% OFF RECLINERS STARTING AT $ 329 99 IF YOU DIDN'T BUY AT RICHARD'S, YOU PROBABLY PAID TOO MUCH! IF YOU DIDN'T BUY AT RICHARD'S, YOU PROBABLY PAID TOO MUCH! IF YOU DIDN'T BUY AT RICHARD'S, YOU PROBABLY PAID TOO MUCH! IF YOU DIDN'T BUY AT RICHARD'S, YOU PROBABLY PAID TOO MUCH! RichaRd's MATTRESS WAREHOUSE MONDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM-6PM 512 W. Grave St., Patoka • 812-385-3855 IF YOU DON'T BUY YOUR BED FROM RICHARD'S, YOU'LL BE LOSING MORE THAN SLEEP! HUGE SAVINGS on everything in store 20-30-40% off Normal Retail Prices 2803 B West Broadway, Princeton 812-385-CAKE HOMEMADE: • Pumpkin Rolls • Apple, Pecan and Pumpkin Pies • Cream Pies • Cookies • Lots more! B-4 Shopping Wednesday, November 1, 2017 The Press-Dispatch