Include Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home Heating Plan

(Undated) — State and local fire officials are urging residents to use caution when heating their homes this winter. They remind the public that using your heating systems and alternative heat sources can increase the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. They say when heating your home, keep all heat sources at least three feet away from anything that can burn, never use ovens, stoves, grills, or portable fuel-burning devices to heat your home, and turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed. Residents should also install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and near sleeping areas and never operate generators, grills, or propane heaters inside homes, garages, or near windows and doors.