NC 2-1-1

In Your Community

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Safety Spotlight

Space Heaters

Winter's cold temperatures mean that many people are turning to supplementary heating sources such as space heaters, fire places and kerosene heating units. Though these types of heating elements can help keep a family warm, they can also be very dangerous if used incorrectly.

If you use space heaters, check out these suggestions from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about space heater safety.

Do's:

-Place the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor.
-Keep the heater at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials.
-Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
-Turn the heater off if you leave the area.

Don'ts:

-Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.
-Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
-Don't use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.

Check with your local Fire Department if you have any specific question about using your heating units.

Tip: When viewing the list of programs on the 2-1-1 database, use "Refine your results" to find services nearest you.

Technology Corner

2-1-1 Droid App

You probably know that we have smart phone apps for games, travel and even getting a haircut appointment. But did you know there is an app for finding help for seniors, children and others in need? Android smart phone users can link directly to community resource solutions with the new NC 2-1-1 Android App.

With the app, you can dial 2-1-1, you can search nc211.org or you can complete a simple search for services near you using your smart phone.

Visit here to download the new Android app. iPhone users can download the app from the iTunes store.

Resource Spotlight
Scams

'Tis the season for giving. Unfortunately, 'tis the season for scamming, as well.

Thankfully, there are resources in the 2-1-1 database that can keep you up to date with scammers. Check out Consumer Fraud Reporting agencies for programs where consumers can report the activities of telephone scammers and other con artists.

Common scams include fraudulent prize offers, "free" travel packages that have hidden costs or which never transpire, "get rich quick" investments that turn out to be worthless, phony charities with names that are similar to well-known organizations and schemes involving promises to recover an individual's money following their victimization by another scam.

Also, check out the NC Attorney General's alerts page and

Federal Trade Commission's Site for up to date scam alerts.

Tip: When viewing the list of programs on the 2-1-1 database, use "Refine your results" to find services nearest you.

Why am I receiving this email?

You are receiving this message because your community receives 2-1-1 service through NC 2-1-1's Asheville Center.

We provide this monthly newsletter as just one way to keep in touch, highlight local health and human service initiatives, promote information and referral tools, gain your feedback and strengthen our community partnerships.

Drop us a line anytime to update your database listing, ask about community resources, or get data about caller needs. We are your local 2-1-1 center, and we stand ready to assist.

NC 2-1-1

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