A lot of people turn to space heaters and power generators when temperatures drop to record-breaking lows. The devices, while useful, come with risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.

As the country grapples with severe winter weather and cold air, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued advice to help consumers stay safe.

How to use a generator safely

Consumers who use gasoline-powered portable generators should protect themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can happen so quickly that exposed people may become unconscious before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.

The CPSC reports an average of nearly 100 consumers die in the U.S. each year from carbon monoxide poisoning while using portable generators. An earlier report from the agency shows that from 2011 through 2021, where race was known, non-Hispanic Black or African Americans accounted for 23 percent of generator-related CO deaths, which is much higher than their share in the U.S. population.

If you need to use a generator because your power goes out, here are some life-saving tips.

• Leave it outside: Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed. Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal levels of CO.
• Keep the distance: You should operate a portable generator at least 20 feet away from the house, and direct the generator’s exhaust away from the home and any other buildings while keeping windows and other openings closed in the path of the generator’s exhaust. Do not place a generator on a porch, in a garage, or in a carport. They are too close to the home.
• Check maintenance and follow instructions: Check that portable generators have been maintained properly, and read and follow the labels, instructions, and warnings on the generator and in the owner’s manual.
• Look for portable generators with a carbon monoxide shut-off safety feature: Carbon monoxide shut-off features are designed to deactivate generators automatically when high levels of CO are present. According to the CPSC, these models may be advertised as certified to the latest safety standards for portable generators–PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201–which are estimated to reduce deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively. UL 2201 certified models have reduced CO emissions in addition to the CO shut-off feature.

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How to use a space heater safely

• Keep the distance: Keep all sides of the portable heater at least 3 feet from beds, clothes, curtains, papers, sofas and other items that can catch fire.
• Use a stable surface: Place the heater on a stable, level surface, located where it will not be knocked over.
• Never leave the device unattended: leave running unattended in a confined space to reduce hyperthermia hazards.
• Always use a wall outlet: When using electric portable heaters, always use a wall outlet. Never use a power strip and never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting.