LEWISBURG -
With the heat cranked up and the windows sealed tight, carbon monoxide tends to be a bigger threat in the winter months.
Randy Chambers with the Lewisburg Fire Department said carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, and they call it the silent killer.
He said anything that burns will produce CO gas, especially fires.
"It's particles of unused fuel that's burnt from wood-burning stoves, gas appliances, kerosene heaters," said Chambers.
Chambers said most people are unaware of the carbon monoxide levels in their home, but there are preventative measures to take.
"Your heating systems checked, your flues cleaned and inspected by a professional. Also it's recommended that you have a CO detector," said Chambers.
Battery operated carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at local hardware stores and range anywhere from $18 to $43.
Stores such as S.J. Neathawks sell detectors that will alert you if your carbon monoxide levels are dangerous.
"They set off an alarm and of course we have one that is voice activated so it will set it off and it'll talk to you. It just informs you that there's a problem," said Henry Saylor with S.J. Neathawks.
Saylor said the installation process is practically stress free.
"They have a little plate that you mount to the ceiling or the wall and they have batteries so you just put a couple of batteries in it and that's pretty much all you have to do," said Saylor.
Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home could be a life saving decision.
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