The Hidden Dangers of Carbon Monoxide in Winter Emergencies
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible threat that’s surprisingly prevalent in the winter months. Unfortunately, the wrong heat source in the wrong place, like your living room, can cause a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Because it’s odorless and colorless, it’s hard to notice whether there’s carbon monoxide in your home.
Hundreds of people die and are hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning each year, so it’s essential to heat your home safely. Learn why carbon monoxide is so dangerous and practical ways to protect your family this winter.
Why Carbon Monoxide Is a Silent Winter Threat
When temperatures drop, most people turn to heaters, fireplaces, and generators to stay warm. But those same heat sources can quietly create a buildup of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so it’s almost impossible to detect without a CO detector.
When you accidentally breathe in carbon monoxide, it binds to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. That means your body can’t deliver enough oxygen to your organs, and you slowly begin to asphyxiate. Even small amounts can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. High levels can lead to unconsciousness or death in minutes.
How CO Is Produced and Can Build Up Indoors
Over 1,200 people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S. in 2022. Unfortunately, deaths also increased by 85.7% from 2012 to 2022, and all of them were preventable.
The most common sources of carbon monoxide in homes are:
Natural gas from furnaces, water heaters, and stoves
Propane and butane from grills or camp stoves
Coal and kerosene, which are more popular with portable heating devices and lamps
Wood or oil in wood stoves or fireplaces. Some of these are safe to use indoors, but only with proper ventilation and a clean chimney.
Gasoline from cars and generators
When we generate heat with fossil fuels, they don’t burn completely. They release carbon monoxide as a byproduct, which can replace the air in our homes, sometimes within minutes. Following safe heating practices is essential for preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, especially during winter power outages and emergencies.
The Health Effects and Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Carbon monoxide prevents your body from using oxygen. Even though it can take time for CO to build up in the air, the results can be deadly. Many people die in their sleep because they never notice the warning signs. Children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Initially, CO poisoning can mimic the symptoms of the flu. But unlike the flu, it doesn’t cause a fever. Even low levels of carbon monoxide can cause long-term memory problems and heart complications. Higher levels can trigger severe nausea and impaired vision, and can cause death by asphyxiation if exposure continues.
Implement Practical Safety Steps This Winter
As temperatures drop, more people will rely on alternative heat sources to make it through the winter. Follow these winter safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
1. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The single best way to protect yourself is by installing CO alarms in every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test them regularly and replace batteries twice a year. Set a calendar reminder to do this every year when you adjust your clocks for daylight saving time.
If an alarm ever goes off, don’t assume it’s a false positive. Get everyone (including pets) outside immediately, open doors and windows for ventilation, and call 911.
2. Don’t Burn Fossil Fuels Indoors
Many carbon monoxide poisonings happen when families use fossil fuels to heat their homes. This is much more common during winter storms and power outages, when people are more desperate for heat. However, starting a fire in a charcoal grill indoors is incredibly dangerous.
Never burn fossil fuels indoors. Never warm up a car or run a vehicle in a closed garage, even with the door open slightly. Keep vents and flues clear of snow and ice so gases from dryers, furnaces, and fireplaces can safely escape.
Improper generator use can also bring carbon monoxide into your home. Always practice safe generator use and never run it indoors—that includes garages, basements, or enclosed porches. If you have a traditional gas-powered generator, run it at least 20 feet away from windows or doors and point the exhaust away from your home.
3. Choose Safe Indoor Power Options
The best time to plan for a winter emergency is in the fall. Now’s the time to install indoor-safe energy solutions, such as a home solar system, for greater peace of mind during the winter. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus (3072Wh) is a portable option with sufficient storage to power energy-hungry heaters and appliances for days.
You should also prepare for a winter power outage by stocking up on essentials before the onset of wintry weather. Create an emergency kit with flashlights, blankets, backup power, and a plan for keeping your family warm. Keep this kit in a location where you can easily access it in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide to Humans?
Carbon monoxide can cause death by asphyxiation if you inhale a lot of it. It’s because the CO molecules bind to your red blood cells and prevent your body from using oxygen. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and chest pain. In severe cases, carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death.
What Are the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Early symptoms often resemble those of the flu, but without a fever, including fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Higher concentrations can cause confusion, blurred vision, vomiting, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. If you suspect CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately, call 911, and do not re-enter the building until professionals have declared it safe.
Final Thoughts
Carbon monoxide is an invisible but very real threat that’s largely preventable. Simple actions, such as installing CO alarms, keeping vents clear, and using generators outdoors, make all the difference.
When the power goes out, don’t use unsafe heat sources. Instead, opt for a clean, emission-free backup solution like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus (3072Wh) to stay warm and safe throughout the winter.