With our first significant cold snap this season, PG and E is urging us to be extra cautious when heating our homes. Spokeswoman Brandi Ehlers says many people might tend to want to use some additional sources to keep warm, including space heaters…

click to listen to Brandi Ehlers

Ehlers says fuel-burning appliances, such as gas furnaces, stoves, and water heaters can also be toxic, if they’re not working properly…

click to listen to Brandi Ehlers

Starting in 2011, all California homeowners were required to install carbon monoxide detectors, to warn you if concentration levels are too high. Also, make sure they’re installed near sleeping areas and replace the batteries at least twice a year, just like smoke detectors. And if you have a fireplace, make sure the flue is open so that the byproducts of combustion can vent safely through the chimney. PG and E says nearly half of all home fires occur from December through February. And the leading contributor is heating equipment that’s too close to flammable objects.