Carbon Monoxide Awareness: Protecting Your Home This Winter
- Sadie Carns
- 53 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As temperatures drop and homes rely more on furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure rises dramatically. Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death. Each winter, emergency departments across Pennsylvania treat individuals who unknowingly inhaled dangerous levels of CO—often caused by faulty heating systems or improper ventilation. This winter, the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division urges families to take simple, proactive steps to prevent CO poisoning and keep their homes safe.
Why Carbon Monoxide Is So Dangerous
Because CO cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, exposure often goes unnoticed until symptoms become severe. Early signs—headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion—can resemble the flu, making it easy to overlook the danger. In high concentrations, CO can lead to loss of consciousness within minutes.
Carbon monoxide incidents are more common in winter because homes are sealed tightly, fuel-burning appliances work harder, and families rely on supplemental heating sources that may not be properly maintained.
Common Sources of CO in Winter
Many everyday appliances produce CO if they malfunction or are used incorrectly. The most frequent culprits include:
Furnaces and boilers
Cracked heat exchangers or poor ventilation can cause CO to build up inside the home.
Fireplaces and wood stoves
Blocked chimneys or improper combustion can allow CO to enter living spaces.
Gas stoves or ovens used for heating
These appliances are not designed to heat a home and pose significant CO and fire risks.
Space heaters (fuel-burning models)
Portable heaters must be used with extreme care and never in enclosed, unventilated areas.
Generators
Running a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows can lead to deadly CO levels in minutes.
Essential Steps to Protect Your Household
Install CO Alarms on Every Level of Your Home - Place alarms near sleeping areas and test them monthly. Replace batteries twice a year and the alarm unit every 5–7 years (or per manufacturer instructions).
Schedule an Annual Heating System Inspection - Have a qualified technician inspect your furnace, fireplace, and any fuel-burning appliance to ensure proper operation and ventilation.
Never Use Outdoor Equipment Indoors - Generators, grills, and portable stoves should never be used inside the home, basement, garage, or near open windows.
Keep Vents and Chimneys Clear - Snow, ice, and debris can block exhaust vents, preventing CO from escaping safely.
Use Space Heaters Safely - Only use heaters approved for indoor use, keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable, and ensure proper ventilation.
Avoid Warming Up Vehicles in Enclosed Spaces - Even with the garage door open, CO can build up quickly inside attached garages and seep into the home.
Recognizing the Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Early detection can save lives. Symptoms often mimic other winter illnesses, so take them seriously—especially if multiple people in the home experience them at the same time.
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion
Weakness or fatigue
Chest pain
Loss of consciousness
If you suspect CO poisoning, leave the home immediately, call 911, and seek medical attention.
Stay Safe All Winter Long
Carbon monoxide incidents are preventable. With the right safety practice routine maintenance, proper ventilation, and reliable CO alarms—you can keep your family protected all winter. As part of our commitment to injury prevention, ATSPA encourages every household to check their alarms, schedule a heating inspection, and share these safety tips with neighbors and loved ones.
A warm home should always be a safe home. By staying informed and acting now, you can enjoy a healthy and worry-free winter season.
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