United Illuminating : UIL Provides Safety Tips for Extreme Cold Weather

NEWS RELEASE

Jan. 6, 2015

Media Contacts:

Michael A. West Jr.:                203-499-3858 

UIL Provides Safety Tips for Extreme Cold Weather

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Jan. 6, 2015 - UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE: UIL) and its operating companies urge customers to take measures to stay safe and warm during the bitterly cold weather that's forecast this week for Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The risk of fire, carbon monoxide exposure and other hazards can increase as residents seek to stay warm during the extreme cold, said James P. Torgerson, president and chief executive officer of UIL Holdings, corporate parent of The United Illuminating Company, The Southern Connecticut Gas Company, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation and The Berkshire Gas Company.

"As this extreme cold weather sets in, we encourage our customers to take a look around their homes and make sure they're able to keep themselves and their families warm in the days ahead, and to identify any potential safety risks that need to be addressed," Torgerson said.

Here are some safety tips for the extreme cold.

Staying Warm

If you are unable to keep your home heated safely and comfortably, call Infoline at 211 in Connecticut or Massachusetts for resources that can help you and your family. When exposed to cold temperatures, wear warm clothing in order to avoid hypothermia. The elderly and infants are especially susceptible to hypothermia. Excessive shivering, drowsiness, speech difficulties, irregular heartbeat and unconsciousness are all signs of hypothermia. If someone in your household exhibits these traits, get medical attention immediately.  

• For information about hypothermia, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.asp

Stove and Range

The stove, range and other kitchen appliances are designed for cooking, not heating. Please avoid using appliances improperly. In addition to creating a fire hazard, a natural gas stove or oven can present a carbon-monoxide risk when used for space heating.

Space Heaters

Use a space heater that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Never use a device designed for outdoor use indoors. Place the space heater on a level surface away from foot traffic, at least 3 feet from combustible materials. Inspect the cord for fraying, and after plugging it in, periodically feel the cord near the outlet to make sure the plastic is not getting hot. Do not run the space heater cord under a rug or carpeting, and never use an extension cord for a space heater. Keep children and pets away, and turn off the space heater when you leave the area.

• For more space heater safety information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Council at http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2010/11/space-heater-safety

Heating, Hot Water and Plumbing

Keep the furnace area clear of flammable materials and keep vents clear to provide a good air supply to your heating system to ensure proper combustion. Don't ignore drips or odd noises from your heating system - call your heating company to investigate. Wrap exposed pipes in your basement with pipe insulation to help them retain heat and avoid freezing.

• The American Red Cross offers additional tips for avoiding frozen pipes at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes

Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Place smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to make sure the batteries are working, and replace the batteries at least twice a year. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless, but toxic. It is the product of incomplete combustion, which can result from a furnace or space heater problem. Symptoms of CO poisoning mimic the flu, so make sure the CO detector is in working order.

• For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association, http://www.nfpa.org

About UIL Holdings Corporation:

Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UIL) is a diversified energy delivery company serving more than 700,000 electric and natural gas utility customers in 67 communities across two states, with combined total assets of over $5 billion.

UIL is the parent company of The United Illuminating Company (UI), The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG), Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG), and The Berkshire Gas Company, each more than 100 years old. UI provides for the transmission and delivery of electricity and other energy related services for Connecticut's Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. SCG and CNG are natural gas distribution companies that serve customers in Connecticut, while Berkshire Gas serves natural gas customers in western Massachusetts. UIL employs more than 1,850 people in the New England region.