MANHATTAN, Kan. -- As sunlight hours dwindle and give way to chilly fall and winter days, people often turn to auxiliary heat sources. Whether this source is an old fashion wood stove or a modern furnace, if it involves combustion it brings the risk of carbon monoxide.

“Carbon monoxide is an odorless colorless toxic gas that results from the incomplete combination of oxygen and carbon during combustion,” said Kansas State Climatologist Mary Knapp. “Common sources are unvented gas or kerosene space heaters, leaking furnaces or fireplaces, back drafts from gas water heaters or gas stoves, generators, or exhaust from car engines.”

Knapp, who oversees the Kansas Weather Data Library, based in Kansas State University Research and Extension, encourages Kansans to make certain that any heat source is properly maintained, operated, and ventilated.

“Keep the car away from your building when running,” she said, adding “It is also a good idea to make certain that the chimney is clear and in good shape before lighting that first fire of the season. A bird's nest blocking the flue can result in more than just a headache.”

 Information about Kansas weather is available on the Weather Data Library Web site: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/wdl/. “Weather Wonders” audio reports are available on the K-State Research and Extension News Media Web site at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/. 

More information about emergency preparedness is available on the Kansas EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network)Web site: http://www.kseden.ksu.edu.

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