Be warm and safe as temperatures drop
There are probably a few old remedies and myths you’ve heard about keeping warm or saving money during the holidays, but some of these can be dangerous.
It’s important to know what not to do to keep warm or protect your home as the temperatures begin to drop. We recommend avoiding these falsehoods this winter.
DON’T: Run your oven to stay warm
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against using an oven as a heating source because it could cause a carbon monoxide buildup inside your home and lead to CO poisoning. For extra safety, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
DON’T: Burn charcoal indoors for heat or cooking
Burning charcoal can also release carbon monoxide, so it’s best to avoid burning it unless in a well-ventilated area.
DON’T: Overload electrical circuits
It’s important to keep in mind the dangers of overloading electrical circuits. If you plug too many cords into an outlet or a power strip, you could put yourself at risk of overheated wires.
DON’T: Wear only a hat to stay warm
A common myth is that most of your body heat escapes through your head, so if you’re covering your head, you don’t need a jacket. This isn’t true. You should wear a hat and other layers to keep warm.
DON’T: Perform electrical work in your home
You should routinely schedule electrical safety checks to keep your home safe, but never perform one of these yourself. Hire a certified electrician for inspections, wiring, and installation jobs.
For more safety tips, visit myPEC.com/safety.
