Tips to avoid holiday heating or electrical disaster

With extremely cold temperatures this holiday weekend, Iowans need to be aware of heating and electrical hazards around the house. Alliant Energy spokesman Ryan Stensland says using a space heater isn’t always the best idea. Such space heaters are all the more dangerous if small children are around. Perhaps you got a new appliance or gadget that needs to be plugged in. Stensland says make sure not to overload the outlet. Use a power bar, not an extension cord, if you’re plugging in multiple appliances, lights or whatever. Stensland says if the heat ever does go out in your home, don’t use a natural gas stove to try and heat your house. Call the utility, then head to the home of a friend, relative or neighbor. Stensland says for more winter home heating tips, you can look on-line atwww.alliantenergy.com.