Though the winter has been mild for many in our region over the last several days, we have entered a season during which we have even more reasons to be cautious about how we heat and light our homes. Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential.

On Christmas Day, four adult family members died in New Hampshire.

“While the investigation remains active and ongoing, at this time, investigators believe the victims died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey.

Part of that investigation involves examining the home’s gas heating system — and the fact that the home did not have ANY carbon monoxide detectors.

On Dec. 28, actor, activist and former “Sports Illustrated” model Dayle Haddon was found dead in her Pennsylvania home. Another occupant of the home was hospitalized in critical condition. In that case, first responders found high levels of carbon monoxide in the home and that “a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the carbon monoxide leak.”

According to the Associated Press, two medics were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide exposure and a police officer was treated at the scene.

There are many ways carbon monoxide can make its way into a home. Poorly installed, maintained or ventilated appliances (such as generators, stoves or hot water heaters); poorly ventilated fireplaces or other gas- or wood-burning stoves; tobacco smoke, grills, unvented kerosene or gas space heaters; even attached garages in which a vehicle is running can cause the gas to build up in a home.

In addition to ensuring proper installation, ventilation and use of all these items, there is simply no substitute for a home having multiple WORKING carbon monoxide detectors. In discussing the New Hampshire case, Toomey implored the rest of us to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors, but also make sure chimneys are routinely cleaned and all systems checked. It’s also important to ensure vents are not blocked by ice or snow in the winter.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die each year of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires; another 14,000 are hospitalized. Those who suffer carbon monoxide poisoning can sometimes endure long-term effects.

Take a moment to check the detectors in your own home, and whether anything needs to be repaired, replaced or perhaps taken out of use altogether. Follow all safety rules and ensure you are using appliances and systems properly. It’s one more thing on the list. But it could save a life — maybe yours.