Powerful winter storms continue to impact the U.S., causing icy roads, prolonged power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures. Many dangers come along with winter storms, but what people may not realize, especially those in Southern states that are not used to extended freezes or widespread loss of electricity, is that the actions they take to stay warm and restore power could be the biggest threat of all.
In light of the extreme winter weather, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning families to take extra precautions, specifically against carbon monoxide poisoning, an often overlooked hazard. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances and devices, such as portable generators, fireplaces, motor vehicles, and gas stoves. CO exposure can quickly become deadly, sometimes before people realize anything is wrong.
Power Outages and the Hidden Risks of Heating Homes
When winter storms knock out power, portable generators are frequently used to run heaters, refrigerators, and other household items. And while generators are extremely helpful, they are also one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning during severe weather events. The CPSC reports that nearly 100 people die each year in the U.S. from generator-related CO exposure alone.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, confusion, and weakness may appear within minutes, and those exposed may lose consciousness before they realize there is a problem. Generators should only be operated outdoors, far from buildings, with exhaust directed away from homes and neighboring structures. Even if you can open windows or doors, it's never safe to use a generator inside.
Many families also turn to space heaters, fireplaces, candles, or other temporary heat sources to stay warm during winter power outages. However, experts warn that improper use can increase the risk of both fires and carbon monoxide exposure. Portable space heaters can quickly become hazardous if placed too close to furniture, bedding, or curtains, or if they are left running while people sleep or leave the room. They should only be plugged directly into wall outlets, as extension cords and power strips can overheat and cause fires. Fuel-burning heaters and fireplaces have their own risks, particularly when snow or ice blocks exterior vents, allowing carbon monoxide to build up inside the home without warning.
Other common household items, including charcoal grills and candles, can also be dangerous. Burning charcoal can generate lethal levels of carbon monoxide in a short time, so grills should never be used indoors or in garages with doors partially open. Candles can pose a fire risk and shouldn’t be left unattended.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Critical for Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional CO poisoning sends more than 100,000 people to an emergency department, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. No one is safe from carbon monoxide exposure, and sometimes the symptoms are mistaken for the flu and are ignored.
Because CO is undetectable without an alarm, functioning carbon monoxide detectors are often the only warning families receive and the most effective way to prevent deadly exposure. Safety experts recommend installing CO alarms on every level of a home and near sleeping areas, with battery backup in case of power loss. When an alarm sounds, everyone should leave the home immediately and call 911 from outside.
Carbon monoxide exposure is a silent threat, so alarms are essential to keeping households safe. If detectors aren’t installed, are malfunctioning, or not properly maintained, and a CO incident occurs, who is responsible for the injuries or death to those exposed? Responsibility may depend on the type of property and who is in charge of its maintenance.
In rental homes and apartment complexes, landlords are often required to install and maintain working carbon monoxide detectors. If a landlord fails to meet these obligations or ignores maintenance issues that prevent alarms from functioning, they may be held responsible.
Similar issues can arise in hotels, motels, and short-term rental properties. Guests sheltering from winter storms expect safe accommodations, and property owners generally have a duty to maintain appliances and safety devices. A non-functioning CO detector or poorly maintained heating system can become a central issue for a legal claim if someone is harmed.
During widespread outages, families may also stay with friends or relatives. In some cases, liability questions may arise if known hazards are ignored or safety equipment is absent, particularly when vulnerable individuals are present.
As extreme winter storms become more frequent and affect regions unaccustomed to sustained cold, carbon monoxide awareness is an essential part of winter safety. Understanding the dangers may help prevent tragedies during the coldest days of the year.
