Official Warns Of Fire, Carbon Monoxide Danger In Storm

FRAMINGHAM (AP) — If the lights go out during the storm, the Massachusetts fire marshal says people should take care not to make a bad situation worse.

Stephen Coan said Monday that alternative forms of lighting and cooking during power outages can lead to fires or carbon monoxide exposure.

Coan urged residents to check their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working, and also charge cellphones and other electronic devices before the brunt of the storm hits.

He says generators should never be operated inside a home or a garage.

If the snowfall is deep enough, Coan says some homeowners may need to go outside and clear heating exhaust ducts of snow, since some exhaust pipes are only 2 to 2 1/2 feet above ground.