Know What Not to Do This Winter
Staying warm in freezing weather can be a challenge, and it’s tempting to get creative with your solutions. But some of the things you may have heard of are actually ineffective, or worse, unsafe. Avoid these falsehoods to keep safe and warm 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 (CO) buildup inside your home, leading to CO poisoning. For extra safety, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
DON’T: Overload electrical circuits
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with 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. Items like space heaters draw a lot of power. Be sure to read instructions, safety information, and electrical ratings before use.
DON’T: Completely close heat vents in unused rooms
It may seem more efficient to prevent heat from going to empty rooms, but doing so can disrupt your system’s balance and potentially cause damage. Instead, keep vents partially open and close doors to unused areas.
DON’T: Burn charcoal or run generators indoors
Charcoal and gas generators both produce CO; never use them indoors or in enclosed spaces.
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 ensure your home is safe, but never attempt to perform one yourself. Hire a certified electrician for inspections, wiring, and installation jobs.
For more safety tips, visit myPEC.com/safety.
