A frigid air mass is sweeping across the U.S. Temperatures in the North and Northeast parts of the nation will dip below zero degrees. And even areas in southern Florida may drop to the chilly 20s. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds consumers to exercise caution before cranking up your home heating systems.
In addition to checking for previously recalled space heaters, the CDC offers these home heating safety tips:
- Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.
- Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
- Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
- Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
- Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater.
- Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
- Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
- Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
- Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
- If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.
- Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.
- Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
See Consumer Reports’ guide to home heating and cooling for more information on choosing the right home heating strategies. You’ll also find Buying advice and Ratings for: thermostats, gas furnaces, pellet & wood stoves and space heaters.
For more winter tips, see the CDC’s Winter Weather: Indoor Safety advisory.
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Tips for heating your home safely this winter