Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can create serious safety risks both inside and outside your home. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect you, your family, and your home during winter weather.

Safe Heating Practices

• Use space heaters carefully. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from curtains, furniture, paper, and other flammable materials. Place them out of walkways and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Never use improper heating sources. Do not use kitchen stoves, ovens, outdoor grills, charcoal, or generators to heat your home. These can create fire hazards and dangerous carbon monoxide.
• Have heating equipment checked. Make sure furnaces, woodstoves, and space heaters are in good working condition and used according to manufacturer instructions.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly dangerous gas. It has no smell, color, or taste and cannot be detected without a proper alarm.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure:

• Install UL‑listed carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Have your heating system inspected annually by a licensed professional.
• Keep chimneys and flues clear of snow, ice, debris, or bird nests.
• Make sure all furnace and appliance vents are clear of leaves, snow, and ice.
• Never run a vehicle in the garage, even with the door open.
• Never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Generators should always be used outdoors and far from windows and doors.

If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, leave immediately and call 911. Do not return until the source has been identified and resolved.

Keep Equipment and Meters Clear

• Clear ventilation pipes. Snow and ice can block vents for furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances, which may cause equipment to malfunction and allow carbon monoxide to build up indoors.
• Remove snow and ice near meters. Lightly brush snow from utility meters using a broom. Do not kick, chip, or use sharp tools.
• Remove icicles carefully. Icicles or ice buildup near meters, pipes, and overhangs can fall and cause damage, potentially leading to gas leaks. Remove them carefully and regularly when it is safe to do so.

Outdoor and Winter Storm Safety

• Limit exposure to extreme cold. Avoid spending long periods outside during very cold or windy conditions when possible.
• Dress for the weather. Wear layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof footwear to reduce heat loss and protect against frostbite.
• Watch where you walk. Ice and snow increase the risk of slips and falls. Use caution around doorways, walkways, and steps.

Gas Odor Safety

Be alert for the smell of natural gas, which may resemble rotten eggs. If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide or methane detector alarms:

• Stop what you are doing.
• Go outside immediately.
• Call the gas odor hotline at 800‑942‑8274 or dial 911. Do not re‑enter the building until it is declared safe.

Hypothermia: A Cold‑Weather Health Risk

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95°F. It can happen indoors or outdoors and does not require extremely cold temperatures. Older adults, infants, and people with chronic illnesses are especially at risk.

Stay connected during cold weather. If you or someone you know may be vulnerable, check in regularly or arrange for daily calls with a friend, neighbor, or family member.

Signs of Hypothermia Include

• Sudden changes in behavior or appearance
• Cool or cold skin
• Drowsiness or difficulty speaking
• Cold, stiff muscles
• Shivering

What to Do if You Suspect Hypothermia

• Call a doctor, ambulance, or emergency services right away.
• Handle the person gently and wrap them in blankets, towels, or quilts.
• Cover the person’s head and neck to help retain body heat.

Hot and humid weather can put extra strain on your body—especially during heat waves that last several days. These simple steps can help you stay comfortable and reduce the risk of heat‑related illness.

Simple Ways to Stay Cool

• Spend time in cool places. Stay in air‑conditioned spaces as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, visit public cooling spots such as libraries, shopping centers, senior centers, movie theaters, churches, or community buildings.
• Cool down your body. Take cool showers or baths and let yourself air dry to help lower your body temperature.
• Use fans wisely. At night, use a fan to pull cooler outdoor air into your home. During the day, fans can help circulate air, but they’re most effective when temperatures are lower.
• Block the sun. Keep drapes or blinds closed when windows are in direct sunlight to reduce indoor heat.
• Vent safely. If you open windows for airflow, use window locks so they can remain open securely.

Dress and Plan for the Heat

• Wear light clothing. Choose loose‑fitting, lightweight, light‑colored cotton clothing. If you’re outdoors, wear a wide‑brimmed hat or use an umbrella for shade.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities like yard work or exercise during hot, humid parts of the day. Plan activities for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
• Eat light. Stick to balanced, lighter meals and avoid heavy or hot foods. Try to cook during cooler hours.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink fluids often. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water regularly throughout the day.
• Skip dehydrating drinks. Avoid alcohol and limit beverages with caffeine or high salt content.
• Check with your doctor if needed. If you have a condition that affects fluid balance, ask your healthcare provider what’s best for you.

Look Out for Others

• Check on people at higher risk. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to heat. Stay in touch with friends, family, and neighbors and help them get assistance if needed.
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles. Even for a short time, enclosed vehicles can heat up quickly and become life‑threatening.

Heat‑Related Illness: What to Know

Prolonged periods of high heat—especially temperatures around 90°F for several days in a row combined with high humidity—can overwhelm the body’s cooling system. This can place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels and, in serious cases, lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart failure, or stroke.

People may be at greater risk if they have certain medical conditions, including:

• Heart problems or poor circulation
• A history of stroke
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Skin conditions or severe sunburn
• Infection or fever
• Being overweight
• Dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea

Some prescription medications—such as those used for high blood pressure, depression, or circulation issues—can also affect how the body manages heat. Living in areas with poor ventilation, lots of concrete or asphalt, or closely packed buildings can increase exposure to extreme heat.

Warning Signs of Heat Stress

Mild heat stress can cause discomfort, fatigue, or reduced appetite. These symptoms are usually not serious unless they worsen or last for several days.

Seek medical help right away if someone experiences:

• Dizziness or fainting
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting
• A severe or throbbing headache
• Dry skin or stopped sweating
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Muscle cramps
• Extreme weakness or confusion