Thanksgiving Safety and Energy Saving Tips

There's lots to think about as Thanksgiving approaches. How big of a turkey do we need? Where will we get extra chairs? Who's bringing pies? We're probably not thinking about how safe our home is.

CenterPoint Energy is sharing safety and energy-saving tips to help us prepare for the holiday season. While this time of year is filled with gathering and gratitude, it also offers an opportunity to review safety measures and energy consumption at home.

From whipping up holiday favorites to carving out energy savings, these tips promote safe and enjoyable holiday festivities for everyone:

Natural Gas Safety Tips

• Know the signs of a gas leak: Natural gas has a distinctive rotten egg smell. If you detect this odor, leave your home immediately without using electrical switches or phones. Once you’re in a safe location, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy.
• Keep appliances clear: Keep flammable items like paper towels and boxes away from open flames or stovetops to reduce fire risks.
• Schedule routine maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance with a qualified professional to confirm your furnace, stove and water heater are functioning properly and operating safely.
• Test your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms: Change batteries regularly. Alarms don’t last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Electric Safety Tips

• Be mindful of kitchen appliance use: Use heavy-duty extension cords if additional power is needed for appliances and never connect multiple high-energy devices to a single outlet.
• Inspect holiday lighting: If decorating for the holidays, check string lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before use. Only use lights certified for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate.
• Use appliances safely: Avoid placing cords or small appliances near water sources, such as sinks or faucets, to prevent electrical shock.

Energy Efficiency Tips

• Cook smart: Limit opening your oven door while in use and choose the burner size that best matches the size of your pan. Use smaller appliances like toaster ovens or slow cookers for side dishes to save energy.
• Turn down the thermostat: The heat from your oven and the presence of guests can help keep your home warm, so consider lowering your thermostat by a few degrees.
• Unplug devices: Unplug chargers and appliances that aren’t being used to cut down on idle energy consumption.