Staying safe with space heaters

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 fires are associated with the use of space heaters every year.

Dr. Baruch Fertel, an emergency medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, says if you plan to use a space heater, make sure it’s on a low, flat surface, at least three feet away from any flammable items.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is another concern if using a fuel-burning space heater.

"I think it’s very important for people to be careful when they use space heaters. They’re necessary, they’re safe, but like with everything else, they need to be used properly in order to be safe," said Fertel.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen while warming up your car as well.

If you have an attached garage, never start the car without the garage door being fully open, to allow venting and to allow some of the gases to escape.