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Stay Warm Safely This Winter

As the cold weather settles in, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasizes the importance of safety when it comes to heating your home during winter months. The risks associated with heating equipment, particularly regarding fire hazards and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, require careful attention. Here are essential guidelines to ensure your home remains warm and safe during the chilling winter season.

Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms can significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents. It’s advisable to install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside every bedroom. For carbon monoxide safety, place alarms on each floor, specifically near sleeping areas. Make sure these alarms have battery backups in case of power outages. Interconnected alarms are recommended, as they will all sound when one is activated. Regular monthly checks of these alarms are vital to ensure they are working properly, and it’s crucial to replace batteries at least once a year or choose alarms with sealed, 10-year batteries.

Caution with Portable Heaters

The CPSC reports that portable heaters, particularly electric ones, are linked to approximately 1,600 fires annually, leading to around 70 deaths and 160 injuries from 2019 to 2021. To prevent fire hazards, ensure portable heaters are kept at least three feet away from combustible materials like curtains, bedding, and furniture. Always plug these devices directly into a wall outlet and never use extension cords or power strips, which can lead to electrical overloads and fires. Also, it is critical to turn off portable heaters when you go to bed or leave a room, and if using fuel-burning heaters, do not refuel them while they are still operational to sidestep potential fires.

Annual Inspection of Heating Systems

It’s essential to have professional inspections of fuel-burning heating appliances, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, and water heaters, at least once a year. Chimneys can become fire hazards if flue passages are blocked, cracked, or if they contain creosote build-up. The CPSC identifies that chimneys and flues contribute to roughly 15,400 fires yearly, resulting in around 20 deaths and 80 injuries on average from 2019 to 2021. Keep in mind that heating systems can also be sources of carbon monoxide, which can be an invisible and deadly threat if equipment is improperly installed or maintained.

Use Generators Responsibly

If you must use a gasoline-powered generator during power outages, remember they emit carbon monoxide; operating a generator can create CO levels equal to that of hundreds of vehicles. The CPSC estimates there were 750 documented CO poisoning deaths linked to generators from 2012 to 2022. Always run these generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from your home, with their exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Never operate a generator indoors, in basements, sheds, or garages where carbon monoxide can accumulate.

Opt for Flashlights Over Candles

During power interruptions, use flashlights or battery-operated lamps instead of candles to provide light. If you do use candles, never leave them unattended, as this poses a significant fire risk.

Check for Product Recalls

Before using any household products throughout the year, verify if they have been recalled. Visit www.SeguridadConsumidor.gov or call 800-638-2772 for updates. If you find a recalled product in your home, stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer for guidance on returns, repairs, or replacements.

Additional Resources

The CPSC offers several resources, including guidelines on how to stay warm and safe from fire and carbon monoxide hazards. Make informed decisions this winter and protect yourself, your family, and your home from avoidable risks. Stay safe, stay warm, and be proactive in your seasonal preparations!

For further information, including access to safety alerts and additional consumer protection guidelines, visit www.SeguridadConsumidor.gov.