Winter storms bring freezing temperatures and power outages — conditions that can significantly increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Experts say carbon monoxide poisoning can catch anyone off guard without the proper precautions.South Burlington Fire Department Deputy Chief Terry Francis says he was on a routine building inspection when his carbon monoxide monitor beeped.

AAA reminds drivers that it is never safe to start or leave a vehicle running in an enclosed space. The exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can cause severe injury or death if inhaled.

“Basically, it causes an internal suffocation when you have carbon monoxide poisoning and can be deadly,” she told News 2. According to Bruccoleri, CO poisoning becomes more prevalent during the winter due to the increased use of supplemental heating devices, like space heaters, furnaces, and generators.

Severe winter weather has entered the region and with it, most people think of closing and delays, power outages, traffic accidents, freezing lines and pipes, and downed trees. However, another possible danger not often thought of is carbon monoxide poisoning.

These winter storms that we are experiencing in our region can increase the risk in getting carbon monoxide poisoning.