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Little Rock, AR – Winter officially begins today as Arkansas observes the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While winters in Arkansas are often milder than in northern states, safety officials warn that the longest night of the year can still bring increased dangers inside homes—particularly from carbon monoxide exposure during overnight temperature drops.
Cold snaps in Arkansas often arrive quickly, prompting residents to turn on heating systems that may not have been used in months. Space heaters, fireplaces, gas heaters, and portable fuel heaters are commonly used to supplement central heat. In rural areas or during winter storms, generators may also be used during power outages. With windows closed and homes sealed to retain warmth, ventilation is reduced, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate indoors…