All fuel-burning equipment and appliances create the risk for
carbon monoxide, including water heaters, gas furnaces, wood and
gas fireplaces, generators and automobile engines. But at its
worst, exposure to carbon monoxide can be fatal. In 2008,
exposure to carbon monoxide resulted in at least 47 U.S. deaths,
according to data from the American Association of Poison
Control Centers' National Poison Data System. Those deaths only
account for those reported to or managed by a poison center. The
American Association of Poison Control Centers offers these tips
for combating carbon monoxide during cold times: Never use a
charcoal or gas grill inside a house, garage, closed-in porch or
tent. Have your furnace inspected and adjusted before every
heating season. Never use a generator inside your home -- not
even in the garage or porch. Keep it outside, far from the
house. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat the house. Never
leave a car running inside a garage, even if the garage door is
open. Never sleep in a park