MUSCATINE, Iowa – As temperatures drop, many households turn to supplemental heating sources such as fuel‑burning fireplaces and portable generators. While these tools can provide much‑needed warmth, they also increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure when not used or maintained correctly.
Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is urging families to take simple steps to protect themselves from this dangerous gas.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and colorless gas produced when fuels—including gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane—burn incompletely. Even small amounts can cause serious health effects over time, while high concentrations can be deadly. Because symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and headaches resemble other common illnesses, CO poisoning is often referred to as the “silent killer.”
Research shows that portable generators are the leading cause of non‑fire CO deaths in homes, followed by heating systems and appliances. Each year, hundreds of people in the U.S. lose their lives to CO poisoning, and thousands more experience harmful exposure. Following key safety practices can significantly reduce these risks.
Generator Safety Tips
- Use generators outdoors in well‑ventilated areas at least 20 feet (7 meters) from doors, windows, and vents.
- Never operate a generator inside an attached garage, even if the door is open.
- Position generators so exhaust cannot enter the home through openings such as windows or doors. Direct fumes away from the building.
Additional guidance is available in NFPA’s free downloadable generator safety tip sheet. The NFPA video “What You Didn’t Know about CO Poisoning” also offers helpful information for families.
Preventing CO Poisoning at Home
One of the most effective ways to stay protected is by installing carbon monoxide alarms. These devices are widely available, easy to use, and essential for early detection.
Key reminders for CO alarms:
- Choose alarms tested and listed by a qualified laboratory.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for placement and mounting.
- Install alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, as required by local codes.
- Test alarms monthly and replace them as recommended.
- If an alarm sounds, move to fresh air immediately—outside or near an open window—and call for help. Stay there until emergency responders arrive.
Additional Winter Safety Tips
As snow and cold weather persist, these practices can further reduce CO hazards:
- Warm vehicles only after moving them out of the garage. Never run engines indoors, and ensure exhaust pipes are clear of snow.
- Keep exterior vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces free of snow during and after storms.
- Open the fireplace flue when burning wood to ensure proper ventilation.
- Use ovens strictly for cooking—never as a heat source.
Working Together for a Safer Winter
By staying informed and taking simple precautions, families can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure this winter.
More winter fire‑safety resources—including NFPA’s free CO safety tip sheet—are available on the “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” webpage.
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