ATTLEBORO - A "perfect storm" of high heating fuel costs and a weak economy has local public safety officials worried that people will resort to dangerous measures to keep their homes warm this winter.

Four local fire chiefs, a police chief and three state representatives presented their concerns to The Sun Chronicle Friday, asking for help to get the word out because this could be the most dangerous winter in recent memory.

Their concerns were twofold: One, many local residents may not be able to afford heating fuel this winter. Two, residents may resort to improperly installed wood stoves and unattended electric space heaters as a result.

Improperly installed wood and pellet burners can result in raised levels of carbon monoxide, while space heaters can get knocked over and spark fires, they said.

The chiefs said they expect the use of alternative heating methods to increase greatly this winter because families are stressed economically and the price of heating fuel is so high. "You could be headed for a perfect storm," Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes said.

North Attleboro Fire Chief Peter Lamb said one out of 10 fires caused by space heaters ends up in a fatality.

"I think all of us are planning among ourselves for the worst," Lamb said.

The chiefs said space heaters should never be used without someone in the room and not at night when people are asleep. The heaters also need proper extension cords. Heaters should be kept away from flammable objects such as curtains and furniture.

As for wood and pellet stoves, they should be installed by a licensed contractor because a building permit and inspection is required.

Attleboro Fire Chief Ronald Churchill said families with financial problems are more likely to buy inexpensive equipment and try to install it themselves.

Low-income families are also more likely not to have mandated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, he said.

"If they are financially strapped, of course they are going to break the rules. What we're trying to do is slow some of that down," he said.

Fires started by pellet stoves can be extremely dangerous because families often store the pellets in the house, giving the fire a large source of fuel, Mansfield Fire Chief Neil Boldrighini said.

Attleboro Police Chief Richard Pierce said he will order his personnel to keep an eye out for families in distress and improper heating equipment whenever they answer a call to a home. While the chiefs focused on the public safety aspect of the heating crisis, the legislators talked about the high cost of fuel and avenues available to families that need help.

Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, said low-income families can apply for financial aid through Self Help at 508-226-4192. She also said calling 2-1-1 will result in a referral to an agency that can help.

A task force formed for the problem is in the process of writing leaflets with guidelines for seeking help and staying safe. The Sun Chronicle has offered to help distribute the flyers.

Poirier also said charities in most towns offer some help for heating fuel. The charities include the United Way, St. Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army, the Attleboro Energy Fund, and in North Attleboro, the Neighbors Helping Neighbors fund.

"The big warning here is people need to reach out immediately," Poirier said.

Part of the problem, the legislators said, is that most oil companies require a minimum delivery of 100 gallons. At almost $4 a gallon, many low-income and elderly residents cannot afford it.

State Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro, said residents should order fuel before the oil goes below an eighth of a tank because if the oil completely runs out, it causes more problems.

State Rep. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield, urged residents and businesses that can afford it to donate to the charities that provide fuel assistance because it is going to be badly needed this winter.

It was also suggested that a civic group take up the cause of buying and distributing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to the needy.