With one incident of carbon monoxide poisoning already reported as residents without power try to stay warm, the St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services is warning people to use caution with alternate heat sources.

Those without electric power who are using an alternate heat source such as gasoline-fired generators or kerosene heaters are urged to be sure there is a fresh air source providing proper ventilation for these units. If operated indoors, generators can create deadly carbon monixide levels.

The count office is advising people to read and understand the directions that come with these units before they are used, to prevent illness or death due to any buildup of carbon monoxide inside a dwelling.

The SLCOES recommends a couple of web sites they have believe will be helpful:

http://www.dhses.ny.gov/media/documents/2011_EI_Handbook.pdf

http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/publicsafety/winter.cfm