As the frigid weather sets in, many Americans are turning to their home heating systems to stay warm. But before firing up that fireplace or space heater, be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to avoid common mistakes.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat when using gasoline-powered generators, furnaces, and fireplaces. These devices can emit carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were over 15,400 reported incidents involving fireplaces and chimneys last year.
To avoid these risks, follow some simple safety tips. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Plug them directly into wall outlets rather than power strips, and turn them off when you're sleeping to prevent overheating. Gasoline-powered generators should be placed outdoors and at least 20 feet away from the home to minimize carbon monoxide emissions.
In addition to these precautions, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, with one in each bedroom. Test them regularly to ensure they're working properly. And if you have a fuel-burning heating system, such as a furnace or boiler, hire a professional to inspect it before using it.
The cold weather is expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and frozen rain across much of the country this weekend. With over 200 million Americans in its path, it's essential to prioritize your safety and take steps to prevent accidents. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home heating system without putting yourself at risk.
Stay safe and warm this winter!
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat when using gasoline-powered generators, furnaces, and fireplaces. These devices can emit carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were over 15,400 reported incidents involving fireplaces and chimneys last year.
To avoid these risks, follow some simple safety tips. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Plug them directly into wall outlets rather than power strips, and turn them off when you're sleeping to prevent overheating. Gasoline-powered generators should be placed outdoors and at least 20 feet away from the home to minimize carbon monoxide emissions.
In addition to these precautions, install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, with one in each bedroom. Test them regularly to ensure they're working properly. And if you have a fuel-burning heating system, such as a furnace or boiler, hire a professional to inspect it before using it.
The cold weather is expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and frozen rain across much of the country this weekend. With over 200 million Americans in its path, it's essential to prioritize your safety and take steps to prevent accidents. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home heating system without putting yourself at risk.
Stay safe and warm this winter!
carbon monoxide poisoning is like, super deadly lol, been hearing that 15k+ reported incidents last year is crazy 
. people need to take safety tips seriously, keep space heaters away from flammable stuff & make sure alarms are installed, test them regularly, dont be stupid 
coz i know ppl who got caught off guard by carbon monoxide poisoning last year and it's super scary. like, i know we're all trying to cozy up at home during the cold weather, but pls be careful! 
. anyone ever had a close call with one? 
gotta make sure ur space heaters r at least 3ft away from anything flammable, trust me dont wanna be on the other end of that 
like basic precautions woulda saved so many lives 
. i'm def adding smoke & carbon monoxide alarms to my list now 
. And what's the deal with power strips and space heaters being plugged directly into wall outlets? That sounds like common sense, right? Can't we just trust our grandparents to get this stuff right? 
Anyway, hope everyone stays safe and warm out there! 
also make sure u have carbon monoxide alarms installed in every room 
i know its easy 2 forget but trust me, it's better 2 be safe than sorry 
. i'm all about being safe and cozy during these cold snaps, especially with 200 million people in the country affected by the bad weather 
also those space heater tips are spot on keep them far away from flammable stuff and dont use 'em when u r sleeping lol who does that? 
anyhoo seriously tho prioritize ur safety this winter we don't wanna hear about no accidents or worse 
. Can't believe people still don't take safety precautions seriously 
. I mean, it's not like using generators or fireplaces is rocket science 
. Just keep those things away from stuff that can catch fire 
in your home 
.
. Get a pro to check it out, stat! Don't wanna be stuck in the cold all winter 
️ and a good book 
... while keeping those CO2 levels at bay 
! I'm all about cozy vibes, but like, don't wanna be a human candle or something 
. Anyway, these safety tips are super important, so yeah, make sure you're following them to avoid any nasty accidents this winter 
You gotta be careful when it comes to those space heaters too - I've seen people get burned by them before 
. keep those space heaters away from anything flammable & make sure u plug them straight into wall outlets not power strips 
. stay safe & warm this winter, its not worth risking ur life over a little heat 
#StayWarmStaySafe #CarbonMonoxideAwareness #HeaterSafetyTips