Texas DPS Says Stop Heating Your Home with Gas Stoves this Winter

The Texas Department of Public Safety has asked all citizens to take extreme caution during the upcoming severe wintry weather. This isn't a shocker, but extreme cold, icy rain, and snow can pose some pretty heavy hazards to drivers and pedestrians alike.

This is why it's recommended that you follow some safety tips before the bad weather hits your neighborhood, such as checking your car battery and tire pressure, having a well-stocked emergency kit at home and in the car, and making sure your tire treads are not worn down.

How to Stay Safe at Home During Severe Winter Weather

DPS says that there is a list of tips for any home renter or owner to follow when the ground starts freezing and weather gets too cold for comfort.

I'll get to the list of tips soon, but first off, DPS emphasizes the warning to NEVER HEAT YOUR HOME WITH A GAS STOVE. This may seem silly to some, but think about it. You get a little chilly at home so why not just pop the stove on a little to spread the warmth?

Not only does this decision require constant surveillance to avoid things resting on the stove from catching fire, but keeping your gas stove on for an extended period of time can put you and your family at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Now that we have that out of the way, here's the list of DPS tips in staying safe at home during harsh winter weather:

• Stay up to date with weather and TV weather warnings
• Insulate outside pipes and those that are indoors but against outer walls
• Make sure furnaces and fireplaces are clean and in tip-top shape
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any flammable materials like curtains or bedding
• Check in on friends and family who are prone to harmful health effects from the weather
• Stock up on food, firewood, water, medication, and batteries