November 2026 is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, led by the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) with the theme “A Lifetime of Protection: Every Age. Every Stage. Protected from CO”.
Why Carbon Monoxide Safety Matters
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that you cannot see, smell, or hear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO poisoning leads to more than 100,000 emergency room visits, 14,000 hospitalizations, and over 1,200 deaths each year in the United States.
Key Safety Tips for November and All Year
• Install Alarms: Place working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area.
• Test Regularly: Test your CO alarms every month and replace the batteries as needed. Replace entire units every 10 years.
• Keep Engines Outside: Never run generators, cars, lawnmowers, or charcoal/gas grills inside a home, basement, or garage—even with the door open. Keep portable generators at least 20 feet away from structures.
• Service Appliances: Have your furnace, water heater, and other fuel-burning heating systems inspected by a professional every year.
• Know the Symptoms: CO poisoning feels like the flu—including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, and shortness of breath—but without a fever. If you suspect a leak, get everyone (including pets) outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.
