Category: Home Cold Weather Hazards

Home Cold Weather Hazards encompass risks associated with low temperatures that can impact both property and health. These hazards include the potential for frozen pipes, which can burst and cause significant water damage, and increased risk of fire from faulty heating systems or improper use of space heaters. Additionally, extreme cold can lead to health issues such as hypothermia or frostbite if proper precautions are not taken. To mitigate these risks, it’s important to insulate pipes, maintain heating systems, use space heaters safely, and ensure adequate winter clothing and heating for occupants. Regular home maintenance and preparedness can significantly reduce the impact of cold weather hazards.

CPSC-PR-24-131

Carbon Monoxide Hazards Categories CPSC CPSC-24 CPSC-2402 Federal News Sources Furnace Hazards Generator Hazards Home Cold Weather Hazards Space Heater Hazards

CPSC-PR-24-131 (Feb. 26, 2024)

Stay Safe, While Staying Warm This Winter; CPSC Warns Consumers to be Cautious When Using Generators, Furnaces and Space Heaters – New CPSC Report Shows Upward Trend in Non-Fire CO Deaths Continues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As cold weather continues to impact much of the country, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about deadly hazards from home heating equipment, including space heaters, furnaces and fireplaces, based on the findings in a recent report.  

A new CPSC report shows that the upward trend in non-fire carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning deaths from consumer products, including portable generators and heating appliances, continued for the 11-year period from 2010 to 2020. The estimated number of non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products under CPSC’s jurisdiction rose to an all-time high of 254 in 2019. Although there were fewer estimated deaths, 211, in 2020, that number otherwise exceeds all earlier years in the period. 

 

CPSC News Release - CPSC-PR-24-131

CPSC-PR-24-131

Date: Feb. 26, 2024

Accessed: Aug. 28, 2024

Source URL: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/Stay-Safe-While-Staying-Warm-This-Winter-CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-be-Cautious-When-Using-Generators-Furnaces-and-Space-Heaters

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CPSC-PR-24-131