RALEIGH — Cold weather swept into the Triangle with a vengeance Thursday night sending many residents into home improvement stores Friday.

Merchants say heaters and gas logs were popular items Friday. They also say people need to heed safety warnings with these items. Home Depot salesman Larry Belk says many people are switching to gas logs for fireplaces.

Not all gas logs are equal. Some need ventilation and it's always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide monitor when using logs and heating appliances.

Consumers should also take special precautions with electric and kerosene heaters. Some electric heaters have a mechanism that turns off the power if the heater is tipped. Kerosene heaters should only be filled and used in well-ventilated areas.

Macon McDavid barely escaped having a fire from a space heater where she works. She says the most important safety rule is to keep a close watch on heaters and not to leave them unattended.

All precautionary measures are especially important if there are children around. Make sure they know to stay away from heating equipment if they are not old enough to use them correctly.