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VERIFYING 5 claims about staying warm and protecting your home from the cold

Weather

Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips

If you’re using a space heater to stay warm, plug it directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords or power strips can overheat, and potentially start a fire.
Health

Debunking 3 common cold myths

Despite popular belief, cold or rainy weather cannot make a person sick. VERIFY asked the experts to weigh in on this old wives’ tale, and more common cold myths.
Winter Guide

No, it is not safe to use an oven to heat your home

Ovens aren’t designed to heat your home. They also pose risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning if they are left on for prolonged periods of time.
Health

No, taking vitamin C at the first sign of illness won’t help fight a cold

Studies have shown loading up on vitamin C doesn’t prevent illness for most people. We VERIFY the real effects of the popular supplement.
Winter Guide

Yes, tire pressure does drop when the weather gets colder

If you’ve noticed your car has a deflated tire or even a tire pressure warning light on a cold morning, then you can curse physics before adding air to your tires.
Winter Guide

No, drinking alcohol doesn’t help you stay warm in cold weather

Contrary to popular belief, drinking an alcoholic beverage doesn’t help keep you warm in the cold. It actually cools you down instead.
Pets

Dog winter safety: VERIFY Fact Sheet

Worried about keeping your dog safe in freezing weather? We VERIFY answers to common questions about dogs in ice and snow.
Weather

Yes, warming up your car before driving in cold weather can damage the engine over time

Excessive idling can cause engine damage, and experts agree that modern gas-powered engines don’t need to warm up to run effectively.
Health

Yes, some snow globes contain a toxic chemical used in antifreeze

“It does not take ingesting more than a few laps of ethylene glycol to potentially be fatal to cats and small dogs,” VCA Animal Hospitals says.
Holiday

Poinsettias’ danger to pets has long been overblown

Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not deadly to cats and dogs. But they still might get sick if they eat the plant.
Scams

Watch out for these common holiday scams

Scammers try to take advantage of the holiday season, when many people are shopping and donating more than they usually do. Here’s what to be wary of.