There’s a Chill in the Air – Stay Warm Safely – Be Cautious When Using Generators, Furnaces and Space Heaters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - It's chilly out there! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to take safety precautions while keeping their homes warm this winter. Two hazards of special concern are fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which have been linked to home heating equipment used during the colder winter months, including space heaters, furnaces and fireplaces.

Smoke and CO Alarms

Working smoke and CO alarms save lives! Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Alarms should be battery operated or have battery backup in case of a power outage. Interconnected alarms are best because, when one sounds, they all sound.

Test the alarms every month to make sure they are working. Replace batteries at least once every year, or install smoke and CO alarms with sealed, 10-year batteries.

Portable Heaters

CPSC estimates that portable heaters, including electric space heaters, are involved in an average of 1,600 fires per year, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually from 2019 to 2021.

Portable heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to combustible materials such as drapes, furniture or bedding, so make sure to place them at least three feet away from these materials. Always plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip, to prevent overloading and causing a fire. Never leave portable heaters turned on while sleeping. Fuel-burning portable heaters should never be refueled while in use. To avoid fire, turn the heater off and allow it to cool down before refueling.

Furnaces, Fireplaces and Chimneys

Have a professional inspect all fuel-burning heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents each year.

Fireplaces can cause fires if the chimney is cracked, blocked or coated with creosote, or if sparks and embers reach flammable materials. CPSC estimates that fireplaces and chimneys are involved in and average of 15,400 fires per year, resulting in an average of 20 deaths and 80 injuries annually from 2019 to 2021.

Fuel-burning heating systems, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential source of CO, which is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas known as the "invisible killer." These heating systems can cause CO poisoning if they are improperly installed, poorly maintained, have defective or blocked venting systems or are misused.

Generators

A gasoline-powered generator used during winter weather-related power outages can produce as much CO as hundreds of cars. CPSC estimates that from 2012-2022, about 750 people died from CO poisoning associated with generators.

Use portable generators outside only and place them at least 20 feet from the home with exhaust pointed away from any nearby building. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage.

Never refuel a generator while it is running. Turn it off, and allow the generator to cool down before refueling.

Use flashlights instead of candles

During a power outage, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns, rather than candles, to light the home. If candles are used, never leave them burning unattended.

Check for recalled products

Before using household products any time of the year, check to see if the products have been recalled at www.cpsc.gov/recalls. If a product has been recalled, stop using it immediately and contact the recalling company for the remedy--a refund, repair or replacement.

Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissionersto search for statements related to this or other topics.

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