HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for back to school, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP) has launched a new educational website, Safe and Smart with Buddy Blue Flame™. This natural gas safety education website is part of CenterPoint Energy's ongoing efforts to encourage people of all ages, including students of all grade levels (K-12), as well as parents and teachers to focus on safety.

The website features visually interesting content including activities, interactive games and educational videos designed to increase awareness of natural gas concepts and how to be safe around natural gas. The varied activities featured on the website are divided into age categories, catering to the needs of students based on their school grade. Separate sections are available for parents and teachers.

"While CenterPoint Energy continues to invest in improving the safety and reliability of our natural gas system, we are also investing in innovative ways to share important safety information," said Diane M. Englet, Senior Director of Corporate Community Relations. "This educational website for kids, parents and teachers allows users to learn where natural gas comes from, how it is used and how to be safe and smart around it. It is also viewable on most mobile devices."

The launch of this site coincides with the beginning of the school year, so families continue to learn while browsing the pages, playing the interactive games and watching the educational videos. Parents can utilize the website to learn important safety tips like the 811 Call Before You Dig program, as well as practical energy efficiency tips to make their natural gas last and save money in the process. Teachers can access free resources like a natural gas vocabulary list and printable fact sheet, classroom activities and educational resources. In addition, teachers with Smart Boards can visit Stay Safe and Smart with Buddy Blue Flame™ for educational group games.

"We think of this website as an additional learning tool for students. The materials and exercises are also excellent ways for students to review and augment the information they receive in their in-class instructional programs," added Englet.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and energy services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company also owns a 55.4 percent limited partner interest in Enable Midstream Partners, a publicly traded master limited partnership it jointly controls with OGE Energy Corp., which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With more than 7,400 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 140 years. For more information, visit the website at CenterPointEnergy.com.

For more information contact:
Alicia Dixon
Phone     713.207.5885
Pager      713.619.5143

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SOURCE CenterPoint Energy, Inc.