Carbon monoxide (CO) – often referred to as the “invisible killer” – is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, or methane burn incompletely.
During major storms and power outages, the risk of CO poisoning increases as people rely on portable generators, gas stoves, and other alternative heating sources, which can emit deadly levels of carbon monoxide if not used properly.
CO poisoning can also occur when vehicles are left idling in garages or from improperly vented or malfunctioning equipment, such as heaters, furnaces, and portable generators.
Carbon Monoxide Incidents on the Rise
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2023, data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) recorded:
- ✅ 82,245 CO incidents requiring a local fire department response.
- ✅ 79,051 CO alarm malfunctions.
- ✅ 79,286 CO alarm activations where no CO was found present.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
To protect yourself and your family, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) recommends the following safety precautions:
- 🔹 Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
- 🔹 Interconnect all CO alarms so they sound simultaneously when one is triggered.
- 🔹 Follow manufacturer guidelines for placement and mounting heights.
- 🔹 Test CO alarms monthly and replace them as instructed by the manufacturer.
- 🔹 If your CO alarm goes off, move to fresh air immediately—outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help and remain in a safe location until emergency responders confirm it’s safe to re-enter your home.
- 🔹 Use portable gas generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from windows and doors.
- 🔹 Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they can emit deadly levels of CO.
- 🔹 After snowstorms, check vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces to ensure they are clear of snow and debris.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 📞 360-596-3904.
