The beginning of a new year often prompts positive lifestyle changes, and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is encouraging people to keep electrical safety in mind while they strive for improvement in 2015.

Cold temperatures, heavy snow, and treacherous ice storms are all risks of the impending winter season. “Severe winter weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don't take the proper precautions,” said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo.

A study by researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), found that houseboats that use gasoline-powered generators without emission controls routinely emit carbon monoxide concentrations well above NIOSH’s immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value of 1200 parts per million.