How to stay safe when using alternative heatersShare This StoryemailPrintLinkedinRedditWhatsappWOODBURN, Ky. – As freezing temperatures continue, residents are looking for ways to stay warm, especially in areas hit hard by power outages. Another danger to watch for when using alternative heating sources is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly with prolonged exposure. That’s why officials stress the importance of keeping carbon monoxide detectors working at all times. Even with your water heater, you need one of those, because anything that might block the vent, cause incomplete combustion, will create carbon monoxide,” said Skipper.