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In this frigid winter — with more than a few power outages along the way, it may be tempting to use an oven or perhaps a generator to provide power and heat. But you’re taking a deadly gamble.

It happens more often than you think. People use propane heaters, gasoline generators even barbecues indoors — either to stay warm, or prepare food. But it doesn’t take very long, to be overcome by a deadly killer.

In the last year the Burlington Fire Department has answered roughly 80 calls, where there is no smoke — no fire — but there is something equally as deadly.

Joe Wintar is the Burlington Fire Department’s Chief Fire Prevention Officer: “Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colourless and tasteless gas.”

Carbon Monoxide is given off by anything that burns. Wood, charcoal, propane — even natural gas: “If you haven’t had your furnaces or your fireplaces checked, It’s an important thing to have done on an annual basis.”

The level of gas can build up quickly. We tested this propane heater with the Burlington Fire department — and it took an hour and 20 minutes — for the alarm to signal.

But even at low levels — carbon monoxide sticks around in your blood, and pushes the oxygen out: “Even if you’re not at 70 ppm, say you’re sitting at 50 to 60 ppm in the air, the body is still absorbing to CO and can potentially cause health problems over a long period of time.”

Especially when you are sleeping. Which is why more than one Carbon Monoxide detector is recommended for any dwelling using gas: “Generally, we recommend having one on every level. But as a bare minimum, you should have a CO detector installed outside of any sleeping areas. If you’re sleeping upstairs and an alrm is activated on the ground floor or in the basement, you may not hear it.”

Generators can be even more dangerous than propane heaters — and are clearly labelled for outdoor use: “These appliances are constructed to be used in outdoor environments. So that’s where the concern is — bringing that kind of appliance indoors.”

And if you have a CO detector and you hear the alarm — don’t wait. Leave your home, and call the Fire Department.

New legislation has been passed that requires a CO detector in every home. The regulations have not been specified yet — but builders will be required to install them in newly constructed homes.

For everyone else — especially if you have an attached garage, or use natural gas — there is no point in waiting to get one — and there are definite benefits if you do.