Police and the Fire Service warned about the misuse of outdoor heaters after the deaths of a Taumarunui couple were attributed to a patio gas heater in their bedroom.
David Nicholas Otimi, 43, and his wife Bernadette Otimi, 41, were found dead in their home in Taupo Rd about 8.45am on Thursday.
Preliminary findings from post mortems showed the couple most likely died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell said it appeared from early indications the couple had died as a result of a tragic accident.
"I would like to take the opportunity to raise people's awareness of the dangers of having outdoor equipment such as gas patio heaters and gas barbecues inside the home, as it may well turn out that such equipment caused this tragedy.
"These products are designed for outdoor use only."
The couple had three children under the age of 13 who were in the house and raised the alarm. They are now being cared for by family.
The Fire Service also warned not to use the outdoor heaters in confined spaces.
"This tragedy is a stark reminder to all New Zealanders that outdoor heating appliances should only be used outdoors and never indoors," principal adviser for fire risk management Alan Merry told 3News.
Police have referred the deaths to the coroner, who would make a formal finding once all of the medical evidence was available to him.
Last September two men died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a motor camp cabin near Raglan after taking a portable charcoal barbecue inside to warm themselves.
Four years ago the Ministry of Health issued a warning about using all unflued gas heaters in homes, following a similar public health warning in Australia on the harmful effects from nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide emitted from these heaters.
"Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are both difficult to detect through smell or taste, but exposure to high levels of these pollutants can be harmful," director of public health Dr Mark Jacobs said.
" Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can affect anyone, resulting in tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and in extreme cases death."
