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Holiday

Poinsettias’ danger to pets has long been overblown

Weather

Yes, leaving faucets dripping during freezing weather can help prevent pipes from bursting

When temperatures drop, the water in your pipes can freeze and lead to a burst pipe. But you may be able to prevent that by allowing water to drip from your faucets.
Holiday

Yes, artificial Christmas trees can trigger allergies

Artificial trees can gather dust, mold spores and other allergens. This can trigger an allergic reaction that’s sometimes called “Christmas tree syndrome."
Weather

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

VERIFY looked into five common claims about staying warm and protecting your home against freezing temperatures.
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.