This is in no way meant to be critical of this family who has lost so much.  My prayers are with them.  However, it should serve as a wake-up to all of us who are responsible for our own heating systems.  Right now, inspect your furnace or boiler and if it looks like something is disconnected and you don't know what it is, call the gas company or a repair person.  If an air intake in the garage is plugged, unplug it.  Then, make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors work.