New Jersey residents are being warned about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during severe weather and power outages.

New Jersey Poison Control says outages often lead people to use generators and other fuel-burning equipment improperly, increasing the risk of exposure to the odorless, colorless gas.

Officials recommend installing and testing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.

They also urge residents to use generators only outdoors and place them at least 20 feet away from the house.

Drivers are reminded not to leave vehicles running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.