When temperatures dip and you’re without power, it may be tempting to turn on a natural gas powered oven or range to take the chill out of a room. Doing so could create either a fire hazard or a life-threatening exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) gas.

CO is a poisonous gas that is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and very dangerous. Natural gas ovens and ranges are not designed to operate as heating units. Prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house burns oxygen, thereby causing improper combustion of gas, which creates lethal CO gas. An unattended flame on a gas range is also a potential fire hazard.

Breathing small amounts of CO can result in headaches, dizziness or nausea. Prolonged exposure could lead to fainting or, in some cases, could be fatal. If you suspect someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, get the person into fresh air and seek immediate medical attention.

(YWN Desk – NYC)