The hidden danger during winter outages
Cold is the visible threat during a winter power outage, but carbon monoxide is often the hidden one. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color. People may feel headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, or sleepiness and mistake those symptoms for fatigue or cold stress.
The risk rises when people move outdoor combustion devices indoors. Portable generators, charcoal grills, camp stoves, gasoline engines, and fuel-burning heaters can produce carbon monoxide. The safety rule is strict: these devices do not belong indoors, in garages, on balconies, or near windows and vents.
Generator placement rules
Use generators outdoors only. Place them far from doors, windows, vents, crawl spaces, and garage openings so exhaust cannot drift inside. Do not assume an open garage door makes the garage safe. It does not.
Keep the generator dry and follow manufacturer instructions for extension cords and fuel. Never refuel a hot generator. Gasoline vapor can ignite, and spilled fuel near a hot engine is a fire hazard.
Safe warmth without unsafe combustion
Use layered dry clothing, hats, blankets, sleeping bags, and one smaller insulated room before considering backup heat. Block drafts with towels, close unused rooms, and let sunlight in during the day if available.
If you use an indoor-rated fuel-burning heater, follow the product instructions exactly and keep working carbon monoxide alarms nearby. If an alarm sounds, leave immediately and call emergency services from outside.
Carbon monoxide alarm checklist
Install battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas and on each level of the home. Test them before winter storm season. Replace batteries as directed and replace the alarm unit at the end of its service life.
Do not ignore an alarm because you feel fine. Carbon monoxide can impair judgment and make people sleepy. Treat every alarm as real until the air is checked.
When symptoms appear
If several people in the same home develop headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion during an outage, suspect carbon monoxide. Move everyone outside into fresh air, call emergency services, and do not re-enter until responders say it is safe.
Seek medical care quickly for infants, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung disease. These groups can be harmed at lower exposure levels.
FAQ
Can I run a generator in the garage with the door open?
No. A generator should be used outdoors only, far from doors, windows, vents, and garage openings. An open garage door does not make indoor generator use safe.
What are carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms?
Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and sleepiness. Severe exposure can be fatal.
Can I use a gas oven to heat a room?
No. A gas oven should not be used for home heating. It can create carbon monoxide and fire risk.
Where should carbon monoxide alarms go?
Install alarms near sleeping areas and on each level of the home, following manufacturer instructions and local code.