The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommends the following:

• Portable heaters - Never leave portable heaters on while sleeping. Fuel-burning portable heaters should never be refueled while in use. Turn the heater off, and allow it to cool down before refueling.

Don’t leave portable heaters running unattended in a confined space around infants or individuals with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.

• Furnaces, fireplaces and chimneys - Have a professional inspect all fuel-burning heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents each year.

Fireplaces can cause fires if the chimney is cracked, blocked or coated with creosote, or if sparks and embers reach flammable materials.

• Generators - A gasoline-powered generator used during winter weather-related power outages can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. CPSC estimates that from 2011-2021, more than 800 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with generators. Use portable generators outside only and place them at least 20 feet from the home with exhaust pointed away from any nearby building. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Test the alarms every month to make sure they are working.

- Jill Whalen