The number people taken to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning is up to 12 this year. Overnight, another person was treated, but not transported.

At about 10 a.m., fire officials, Texas Gas Service, and El Paso's Building and Permit inspectors were checking for a possible carbon monoxide leak at 2630 Hamilton Avenue. No leak was ever found.

The 84-year-old woman who lives alone in the home was taken to the hospital. Fire officials say although there was no carbon monoxide leak the woman showed signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. They say she was disoriented and weak.

Officials say there's no excuse for becoming victim of carbon monoxide poisoning because there are many programs that can assist people in several ways.

"We do have a program called Life Line Care that we could put her [the transported patient] on and we could be calling her every morning making sure that she's o.k.," said Ron Brinks, with the El Paso Fire Department. This program is to ensure the elderly are being looked after.

Building and Permit inspectors say they get about one call every month related to carbon monoxide, and during the winter that number goes up.

"The big problem is, if people have problems with the heating in their apartments, and they don't call the landlord, or the landlord won't fix it, they attempt to turn on the gas at the stove," said Tom McGuire, an inspector who came to make sure the home was up to code.

The city is willing to relocate anyone living in deplorable conditions into housing if they qualify. For those having a hard time making ends meet this winter, Project Bravo and El Paso County General Assistance can help out with utility bills. Officials hope bringing out awareness about these programs will help reduce the number of carbon monoxide incidents.

Fire officials are once again urging people to have their heating appliances inspected by a professional, and to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.