MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Space heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces all share two characteristics: they produce heat and they can potentially produce carbon monoxide.

"Anything that can produce fumes from combusting a gas or any type of combustible product can produce carbon monoxide," said Tavis Millerov, Meridian Township Fire Inspector.

In severe cases, this poisonous gas can cause confusion, vomiting, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness. Carbon monoxide poisoining is ultimately fatal. But one of the most dangerous parts about it is early symptoms mimic common ailments.

"Headaches, not feeling well, nausea, vomiting can all be attributed and associated to CO," said Bill Priese, EMS/Training Chief for the Meridian Township Fire Department,. "If your (carbon monoxide) detector goes off, get out of the house, open up some windows and such, and call the fire department."

Millerov stressed the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors.

"You need to have a detector in your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless, it is colorless, it is one of those things that will kill you without you even knowing it," Millerov said. "A lot of times what we see is cracked heat exchangers on furnaces and things like that causing carbon monoxide leaks."

In the event of a power outage, many people may use gas powered generators power their homes. But Millerov said it's important to keep them at a safe distance from your garage or any entrance so the fumes don't enter your home.

Other ways to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning include annual inspections of your home's heating system, not idling your car in the garage, and never using a gas range or oven to heat your home. Millerov said educating the public is one of the most important parts of his job.

"The most important thing is knowing the risks of how carbon monoxide is formed, how it can be dangerous to anybody, and then just really advocating the idea of getting a carbon monoxide detector in your home," Millerov said.