Chillier weather introducing higher risks of CO poisoning, officials give helpful safety tips

DELMARVA – As it gets chillier outside, you may be reaching for wood to help keep warm.

If you are planning to spark up the fireplace in your house, Easton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Sonny Jones, said you should be mindful. He says that’s because indoor fires can present a risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Making sure you keep an eye on any open flames and installing a carbon monoxide detector are just some of the ways you can prevent an incident.

“Carbon monoxide is produced by anything that can make a flame; fireplaces, gas heating appliances, a stove, anything that can make a flame can produce carbon monoxide,” Chief Jones said. “In addition to smoke alarms in the home, we recommend adding a working carbon monoxide alarm.”

Chief Jones added that carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless, so an alarm is the best form of detection. Another tip: some smoke alarms double up as CO detectors as well.