With the frigid temperatures, many people are using secondary heating to stay warm.

Fire Marshall Ryan Bradley with the Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the public to be smart and safe when using a space heater.

“Make sure you got enough space in front of them, that the appliance is in good working order, that it’s been inspected, the cord’s not frayed, it’s not dented or anything like that. Space heaters are on a good, solid flat surface and we don’t have a combustible product over top of them or draped over them.”

Bradley adds that it’s also important to inspect a space heater before using. He also urges people to plug space heaters directly into an outlet and not into an extension cord in order to lower the risk of a fire.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is also reminding people with natural gas furnaces to take extra time to ensure their safety amidst the cold temperatures.

One of the by-products of a natural gas furnace is carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if unable to escape from the home due to ice buildup on the exhaust and intake of the furnace.

Bradley says there are some precautions a person can take to prevent carbon monoxide from being trapped in their home.

“Go over it and check that exhaust and that intake out on the exterior of a home to make sure it’s not being frosted over or iced up to allow that furnace to work as it’s supposed to, to not build up or accumulate that dangerous carbon monoxide in your home.”

Bradley says that carbon monoxide poisoning has many flu-like symptoms.

“Exposure to carbon monoxide will give you headaches or dizziness, could make you feel nauseous, your eyes are burning, confused, stuff like that. Later on it could lead to a loss of consciousness.”

Bradley says that a good way to differentiate carbon monoxide poisoning from seasonal flu is to see if the sickness goes away upon leaving your home.

If you suspect there is carbon monoxide in your home, call 9-1-1.