COVENTRY — October is Fire Prevention Month, and local fire officials are taking the occasion to caution householders about the dangers that the colder weather often ushers in.

Chief Robert Seltzer, of the Central Coventry Fire District, said the bad economy could exacerbate those dangers this season.

“I have more concerns this year, because of home heating oil increases and people looking at alternate heating [sources],” Seltzer said. “They might put in a wood stove and they are not experienced in using it. They may use kerosene heat and other alternative heating that creates carbon monoxide.”

He urges that householders buy only heating devices certified by Underwriters Laboratories. And, he said, “if they are going to self-install, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the tee.”

He also encourages home fire drills, to ensure there are at least two quick ways out of the house.

Andrew Perra, a lieutenant in the Coventry Fire District — and a member of the town’s School Committee — says now is a good time to put fresh batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

“CO detectors are a big thing. As winter approaches, you seal off your house and you are potentially sealing all the bad stuff in,” Perra said.

He also advises an annual checkup of the home heating system and periodic inspection of chimneys.

“A well-tuned and clean heating system will operate much more efficiently and cleaner” and cost less to operate, Perra said.

The National Fire Protection Association says fires in the home caused 2,865 deaths in 2007.

The association offers a number of tips for householders on its Web site, www.nfpa.org.

lsparks@projo.com