photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

A Lawrence Police Department patrol vehicle is pictured June 28, 2022.

With cold weather upon us, the Lawrence Police Department is reminding everyone, including unhoused individuals, that using a propane heater inside an enclosed space can be deadly.

“In January of this year, one of our houseless neighbors was found dead in her tent, along with her dog,” LPD said on its Facebook page Monday. “During the investigation, officers discovered a propane heater inside her tent that had been recently used. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death was carbon monoxide toxicity.”

For assistance with sheltering anytime but especially during the cold winter months, contact the City’s Homeless Solutions Division at homelessprograms@lawrenceks.org, by phone 785-813-9483, or the Lawrence Community Shelter at 785-832-8864.

The only safe place to use a propane heater is in an open area, not in an enclose space like a tent, the post said.