Experts are asking residents to take caution when trying to heat up their homes, ahead of a winter storm in the forecast and with temperatures set to plummet.

Whether it's a home or apartment complex, there's sure to be a boiler and water heater, and knowing how they work and when they are broken can save lives.

Keeping a home warm isn't as simple as the press of a button. It requires gas and using gas can be dangerous. If there's a clog in the chimney or piping system, instead of removing carbon monoxide, it can blow it back into a home.

A person died last week from a carbon monoxide leak in the Fordham section of the Bronx,. and unlike other more obvious dangers, carbon monoxide is one you can't see coming.

Officials say it's important to have a working carbon monoxide detector.

Experts also say residents should have their heating system checked annually to make sure everything is firing on all cylinders.