Warm Up Your Home the Right Way

Winter officially begins next week. Do you have a way to keep warm? Before you get cozy, make sure you heat your home safely by following these tips:

• Maintain your fireplace by having your chimney inspected, and keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening.
• If you use other heat sources like space heaters, remember to use portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use - improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
• Never use the kitchen oven or gas range to heat your home or apartment.
• Every resident is entitled to heat and hot water. Tenants without adequate heat or hot water should first speak with the building owner, manager, or superintendent. If the problem is not corrected, tenants should call 311.

For more tips on home heating safety, check out NYC Emergency Management's Winter Weather Health & Safety Tips page
For tips on how to stay cozy and save money this winter, check out GreeNYC's Stay Cozy campaign
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