As a severe winter storm approaches, affecting approximately 200 million Americans, federal safety regulators are emphasizing the importance of safe practices when using home heating devices. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that gasoline-powered generators, furnaces, and fireplaces can emit carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that is both odorless and colorless, potentially leading to sudden illness or death. Additionally, heating sources pose fire risks, with electric space heaters involved in an average of 1,600 fires annually, and fireplaces and chimneys in 15,400 incidents. The CPSC provides guidelines to ensure safe usage of these devices, including maintaining a safe distance from flammable materials and proper installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.