ATLANTA, Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As
winter temperatures begin to drop, Georgia Power encourages
customers to keep safety in mind and offers safety tips to help
prevent electrical fires.
Georgia Power reminds customers to stay safe with the following
home safety tips:
- Keep space heaters away from furniture, curtains,
sinks, tubs and water. Do not lay rugs or carpet over the cord. Do
not use heaters if the cord is frayed or broken, and do not use an
extension cord. Turn off heaters before leaving home or going to
bed.
- Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, exposed
wires or broken plates. Have them fixed by a qualified
electrician.
- Prevent overloading equipment and circuits. It can cause
insulation to burn, create sparks and leave exposed wires.
- Prevent oil and dirt buildup on electrical appliances
which can cause electrical equipment to overheat and
short-circuit.
- Know where the nearest fire extinguishers are and how to
use them. Only Class C extinguishers are safe to use on energized
electrical equipment.
For additional video tips on preparing for winter weather, visit
GeorgiaPower.com/WinterPrep.
Colder weather can also mean higher energy bills and, as the low
temperatures continue this winter, Georgia Power offers customers a
variety of free tools and resources to help them stay warm while
saving money and energy. The company reminds customers that making
small changes today can deliver big savings throughout the winter
and year-round.
Winter energy-saving tips include:
- Let the Sun Shine In – Keeping the blinds and
shades open during the day is a no-cost way to naturally heat your
home. Close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from
cold windows.
- Let it Flow – Heating and cooling accounts for as
much as 50 percent of a home's typical winter energy usage.
Maximize the efficiency of your units by changing the filters once
a month, or every three months for pleated filters.
- Focus on the Fireplace – Close the flue damper
tightly or leave cracked if it's a standing pilot light when the
fireplace is not in use. Consider increasing fireplace efficiency
with a heat-circulating fireplace and chimney adapter system.
- Thinking Thermostats – Install a smart programmable
thermostat that automatically adjusts the home's temperature
settings when you are away from the house and save up
to $100 a year in energy costs.
- Caulk & Strip – Replace cracked or peeling
caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows to save up to
10 percent on energy use.
- It's Great to Insulate – Keep heat where it belongs
with proper insulation in attics and walls. You'll save energy 24/7
and be eligible for hundreds of dollars in rebates from Georgia
Power.
Project SHARE
Even with energy efficiency and careful
planning, cold temperatures can mean higher bills. If customers
need assistance paying their bill, Georgia Power is here to help.
The company works with customers to coordinate payment arrangements
and discounts such as the Senior Citizens Discount and can connect
them with community organizations which may be able to help them
pay their bill including The Salvation Army's Project SHARE
program. Additional information about bill payment assistance is
available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/assistance or via phone at
888-660-5890.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's
premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to
delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates
below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse,
innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural
gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.
Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its
customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by
J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer
satisfaction. For more information, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook
(Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and
Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
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SOURCE Georgia Power