KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- Temperatures have dropped in the Heartland, and they are going to remain there for awhile.

With this cold weather, you are, of course, trying to heat-up your home, but this can sometimes cause a serious danger.

Carbon Monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas can be deadly, and it stems from the burning of fossil fuels.

“If your house has a gas furnace, a gas stove, an attached garage, [and/or] a fire place… these are some of the things that you should have a certified technician take a look at every year and make sure they're functioning properly,” said Chief Randy Behrens, Kirksville Fire Department.

Carbon Monoxide is measured by a unit called “parts per million.” Chief Behrens explained the effects of different amounts of the dangerous gas.

“From zero – 50, you can start having headaches,” said Chief Behrens. “From 50 – 200, you can become sick, and way over 300 – 400 can cause unconsciousness and death.”

Chief Behrens said you should not use your household appliances for uses other than what they were originally created for, such as using your gas stove or burners to heat up your home. Also, do not heat up your car inside of the garage, especially if the garage is attached to your home.

Chief Behrens said the best bet against Carbon Monoxide is a Carbon Monoxide Detector, which you must test regularly.

If your alarm goes off? He said you should leave your house immediately and call the fire department. He also recommended keeping all doors and windows locked up, so the fire officials can test the amount of carbon monoxide and find where it is coming from.