Quick Start Guide Natural Gas Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Who: Key Audiences & Languages Your customers are the target audience for this topic. Also consider targeting trade professionals who have access to natural gas appliances, such as installers, plumbers, and heating/cooling contractors. Consumers • New and existing customers, and non-gas users • Males and females 18 years and older • Adult “do-it-yourself” (DIY) audience, people who frequent home improvement stores and would attempt to install a space heater on their own

• Customers subject to service shutoff • Tenants who may not be the bill payer

Trade Professionals • Plumbing contractors • Heating/cooling contractors • Appliance installers

What: Core Messages The core message is the most important point or essential idea to be understood and remembered by the target audience. The message for this topic is: Natural gas space heaters are a safe way to heat, provided you use them properly, have them installed and serviced by a qualified professional, and maintain them correctly. • Always have your natural gas heater and venting system professionally installed and inspected according to local codes. (See “Carbon Monoxide Awareness” section, page 45.) • Do not reinstall used space heaters. • Keep gasoline, flammable liquids, and other combustible materials away from fuel-burning appliances and other sources of ignition. (See “Flammable Ignition Awareness” section, page 68.) Support the message with:

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program