More people are falling victim to carbon monoxide poisoning in Pennsylvania than in any other state. That's according to the Centers for Disease Control. Those numbers also come during one of the highest risk times of the year. WFMZ's Melissa Batulis reports.  >> REPORTER: Between 1996 and 2004, the CDC says 2,631 people died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. Pennsylvania accounted for 160 of those deaths... more than any other state. >> HESS: You'll be overcome and you may not feel you're being overcome. >> REPORTER: Along with the numbers, the CDC released a warning that January is the deadliest month when it comes to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. No surprise for Berks County's coroner. >> HESS: Most of the deaths that we see come from heaters and fireplaces. >> REPORTER: Denny Hess says here in Berks, he only sees about one to two accidental carbon monoxide deaths a year. But those he does see are usually among the most tragic. The latest happened Christmas Eve in Muhlenberg Township. >> HESS: The girl was running a generator in the room and had the window cracked open maybe 4-5 inches. It's not enough to have the carbon monoxide gas escape from the home. >> REPORTER: 26-year-old Yolanda Carias Santos was found dead later that night. And there's a sad and unfortunate twist Hess sees in that case and in most others. >> HESS: I'd say the majority could have been prevented. >> STAND UP: Prevented by what most people still don't have in their home, a carbon monoxide alarm. >> HESS: Carbon monoxide detectors are paramount during the winter. You've got to have one. >> REPORTER: Melissa Batulis, 69 News Berks Edition.

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