Heat Smart: Winter Safety Tips for Your Home

When cold weather hits, keeping your home warm becomes essential. During power outages or extreme temperatures, many families turn to portable generators and space heaters. These tools can help, but they also come with serious risks if they’re not used safely. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.

Generator Safety

Portable generators are helpful during outages, but they’re also a leading cause of deadly carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports dozens of deaths every year tied to improper generator use.

To use a generator safely:

• Always operate it outside, at least 25 feet from doors, windows and vents.

• Never run a generator in a home, garage or other enclosed space.

• Install and maintain working CO alarms.

• Never plug a generator into a wall outlet or home wiring unless you have a transfer switch. Doing so can cause backfeed, which can seriously injure linemen and damage your home’s electrical system.

Space Heater Safety

Space heaters are great for warming small areas, but they’re also a common source of house fires when used incorrectly. 

Stay safe by following these tips:

• Keep heaters on a flat, stable surface and at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains or furniture.

• Never leave a space heater running when you sleep or leave the room.

• Plug directly into a wall outlet — no extension cords or power strips.

• Choose models with automatic shut-off features in case they tip over or overheat.