A lieutenant with the Butler Bureau of Fire said Friday that people who use external heaters in their homes in the winter, or those who use backup electrical generators, must exercise caution to avoid starting a fire, or building up carbon monoxide indoors.

Floyd Lohr said the Butler Bureau of Fire didn’t respond to any calls related to carbon monoxide alarms Friday, but one of the department’s lieutenants said the cold weather can escalate the risk of emergency.

“If they are using any exterior generators, keep them outside, run the electrical cords inside, do not cover them up,” Lohr said. “Extension cords can cause fire; do not overpower outlets. Only plug in necessary items, refrigerators, electric heaters.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide is found in fumes produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces. It can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.

Lohr said external heaters also present a risk of fire, in addition to their risk of carbon monoxide build up. He said users should make sure they don’t plug too much power into one outlet, and they should the device’s cords away from anything easily combustible.

Additionally, Lohr said firefighters want to make sure people are safe throughout periods of severe weather. To avoid calamities, Lohr said people should exercise extra caution when outdoors in the cold, and especially, when driving.

“Driving-wise, take it easy, take it slow,” Lohr said. “If you see emergency vehicles with red lights, please pull over. We just want everyone to be safe out there.”