Black Hills : Energy Offers Tips To Help You Enjoy A Warm, Safe Winter in Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo., - Nov. 22, 2016 - With winter weather arriving in Wyoming, Black Hills Energy is prepared and is providing an important safety message to make sure its customers are ready as well.

'Our winter emergency plans are in place,' said Shirley Welte, vice president for Black Hills Energy's Wyoming electric and natural gas operations. 'Like a fireman when the bell rings, our employees are ready to respond quickly and effectively when called upon.'

Customers can make sure they're prepared for a winter storm by keeping a stockpile of blankets, flashlights and fresh batteries - as well as a fully charged cellphone - on hand. Customers can find more safety preparedness tips at www.blackhillsenergy.com/safety.

Customers should also consider an annual furnace inspection and tune-up to make sure their heating equipment is running efficiently and safely venting the carbon monoxide created in the combustion process.

'Natural gas is a clean, safe, reliable source of energy for heating more than 70 million homes in the United States,' Welte said. 'You schedule regular maintenance on a car for efficient performance, safe operation and longer life. In the same way, it's important to do the same for your furnace and other heating equipment.'

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless byproduct of the incomplete burning of fuels including wood, gasoline, charcoal and natural gas. Signs of a potential carbon monoxide leak can include - but are not limited to - flu-like symptoms including a scratchy throat, runny nose, headache, drowsiness or nausea. Other indicators could include frosted windows or a draft from the front of the furnace when it is not turned on.

If you think carbon monoxide is present, leave the premises immediately and call 911 and Black Hills Energy's emergency service line at 800-694-8989 from a nearby location.

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