Carbon Monoxide Safety for Your Home and Your Vehicle

New England sees storms that can pile up snow quickly and block exterior vents, tailpipes, and chimneys in a matter of hours. Many residents know the routine, but some people in our communities may not have experienced a severe winter storm before. You may have friends, neighbors, tenants, or family members who are new to the region or simply have not lived through conditions like this. Sharing these safety reminders can help keep everyone protected when the weather becomes extreme.

Why Carbon Monoxide Risks Increase in Winter

Cold weather and storms can lead to several CO risks:

• Snow can block furnace, boiler, and dryer vents
• Power outages lead people to use backup heat sources
• Vehicles may be used to stay warm or charge phones
• Generators may be placed too close to the home during emergencies

Understanding these risks helps prevent dangerous situations.

In the Home: What Not To Do

These are definite Do Nots. They should never be done under any circumstances because they can cause dangerous CO buildup very quickly.

Do not:

• Use charcoal or gas grills inside the home or garage
• Run a generator inside the house, basement, garage, breezeway, or near windows or doors
• Heat your home using the oven or stovetop
• Warm up a vehicle in an attached garage
• Allow snow to cover or block exterior vents

Safe Alternatives

Here are safer ways to keep your home warm and reduce the risk of CO buildup:

• Use only indoor rated space heaters
• Place generators at least 20 feet away from the house
• Clear exterior vents and chimneys regularly during storms where snow and ice may accumulate
• Install and test CO detectors on every level of the home

In Your Car: Staying Warm Safely

Many people sit in their vehicles to stay warm or charge phones during storms, but it must be done carefully.

Before starting the engine:

• Clear the tailpipe completely of snow and ice
• Clear space behind the car for exhaust to escape
• Run the engine only occasionally for heat
• Keep a window slightly open for ventilation
• Turn the engine off if snow is drifting and building up around the vehicle

A blocked tailpipe can push CO into the vehicle cabin within minutes.

Recognizing CO Symptoms

Carbon monoxide poisoning often feels like a sudden illness. Watch for:

• Headache
• Dizziness or nausea
• Weakness or confusion
• Unusual sleepiness

If your CO alarm sounds or anyone shows symptoms, leave immediately and call 911.

Stay Safe

New England weather can be unpredictable, and winter storms can create hazards that are easy to overlook. Taking a few extra precautions, staying aware of how quickly snow can build up, and sharing these reminders with others can go a long way toward preventing carbon monoxide incidents. A little attention and preparation help keep your home, your vehicle, and your community safe all year long.