State officials are warning residents that they need to take extra precautions when attempting to stay warm this weekend.

State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay said people need to be careful if they use supplementary heating sources to stay warm in their homes."House fires are common in the winter, so people need to be extra vigilant in making sure any action they take doesn't put them and their loved ones at risk," Solobay said. "Carbon monoxide is another threat that claims lives every year, even though prevention is fairly simple. If you haven't done so recently, test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors now and make it a habit to do so every month."Solobay said people should never try to heat their home using a generator, stove, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, garage or near a window.Carbon monoxide is created when combustible materials burn incompletely and can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Often called "the silent killer," it is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can incapacitate victims before they're aware they've been exposed.Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and include nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue.If you suspect you've been exposed to carbon monoxide, leave the home or building immediately and call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention.The commonwealth's ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency occurs: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved.More detailed information, including free downloadable emergency home and car kit checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at

www.ReadyPA.org.