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Heating Safety Tips & Assistance

Posted on: November 5, 2023 - 11:00am
home cold
November is here and colder weather is approaching – it’s the perfect time for homeowners to plan ahead to ensure a safe and warm home this winter season. 
 

Home Heating Safety Tips

 
Improper use of heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Here are some tips to keep your home safe and warm this winter:
 
  • Make sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside of each bedroom.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year, when you change the clocks.
  • If you use oil for heat, get your tank(s) inspected annually to prevent leaks or spills. For more information on home heating oil tanks, visit DEC's Underground Heating Oil Tanks: A Homeowner's Guide.
  • Make sure your heating system is kept clean and properly vented; have worn or defective parts replaced.
  • Have your fireplace, chimney, and flue cleaned every year to remove soot deposits, leaves, etc.
  • Do not heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
  • Do not use any gas-powered appliance, such as a generator, indoors.
  • Never use a charcoal grill or a hibachi indoors.
  • Automobile exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Open your garage door before starting your car and do not leave the motor running in an enclosed area. Clear exhaust pipes before starting a car or truck after it snows.
  • The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache. However, symptoms may also include dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, people can become increasingly irritable, agitated and confused, eventually becoming lethargic and lapsing into unconsciousness. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911, and get the victim to fresh air immediately, and open windows. 
 

Heating Assistance Programs

 
Town of Cortlandt CHOP Program
The Town of Cortlandt Heating Oil Plan (CHOP) is a voluntary program designed to save residents money on heating oil during the winter months. Members of CHOP are able to purchase oil at a discount through a bulk purchasing arrangement. For more information on CHOP, visit www.townofcortlandt.com/CHOP or email chop@townofcortlandt.com. 
 
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, can provide income-eligible households up to $976 this winter to help with heating costs this winter. Applications for assistance are now being accepted at the Westchester County Department of Social Services and can be submitted online, through the mail or in person. In the Westchester area, any questions regarding HEAP should be directed to the Westchester County Department of Social Services at 914- 995-3333 or by visiting your local DSS office. Additionally, older adults needing assistance with HEAP applications can contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.
 
EmPower+ Program
Through the EmPower+ Program, qualifying income-eligible households can receive a free comprehensive home energy assessment to pinpoint where energy and dollars are being wasted and receive a customized plan to lower energy usage. Following the assessment, households can receive discounts of up to 50% on improvement costs to enhance energy efficiency and home comfort while saving money. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, go to https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-New-York-Program