A husband and wife that lived on La Bonne Parkway in Gascony both died over the weekend, May 17-18, 2014, apparently from carbon monoxide poisoning. Code enforcement departments from city and fire districts have long promoted not only smoke detectors but also carbon monoxide detectors for this very reason. In fact, all occupancy permit inspections that I am aware of around the St Louis area require multiple smoke detectors in every home, and a growing number now require carbon monoxide detectors. 18 states require the use of these in new construction, although not in Missouri.
This is a very important issue, especially since carbon monoxide is COLORLESS and ODORLESS. The deadly gas orginates from combustion in car engines, gas furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and generators, charcoal grills, and portable camp stoves, among other sources. If allowed to build up enough in enclosed spaces, it poisons people and pets to the point of hospitalization and even death.
Please check your home today for the presence of smoke AND carbon monoxide detectors. They cost very little and prevent so much.