Carbon Monoxide Safety

The Silent Killer in Your Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible threat. This colorless, odorless gas kills approximately 500 Americans each year and sends another 15,000 to emergency rooms. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it - but it can kill you.

What Creates Carbon Monoxide

CO forms when fuels burn incompletely. Common sources in island homes include:

  • Heating systems (furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves)

  • Water heaters and boilers

  • Gas appliances (ranges, ovens, clothes dryers)

  • Generators and portable heaters

  • Vehicles running in attached garages

  • Grills and camping equipment used indoors

  • Boats with enclosed cabins and engines

Island Living Increases CO Risks

Power Outages

Frequent winter storms lead to dangerous practices:

  • Generators in garages or basements produce deadly CO

  • Camping stoves used for heat create indoor CO hazards

  • Charcoal grills brought inside for warmth can be fatal

  • Vehicle warming in garages with doors closed

Heating Choices

Many island homes rely on:

  • Wood stoves that need proper ventilation

  • Propane heating systems requiring regular maintenance

  • Older heating equipment that may not burn cleanly

  • Multiple fuel sources increasing CO production points

Remote Location

Emergency response takes longer on an island - prevention is critical

Recognize CO Poisoning Symptoms

CO poisoning mimics the flu (but without fever). Many victims and even doctors mistake it for illness.

Early Warning Signs

  • Headache (most common first symptom)

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Shortness of breath

  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Severe Symptoms

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Chest pain

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Death

Key Clue: Multiple people feel sick at the same time

Who's at Greatest Risk

Everyone is vulnerable, but these groups face higher danger:

  • Unborn babies and infants

  • Children and elderly adults

  • People with heart or lung conditions

  • Anyone sleeping near CO sources

Essential Prevention Steps

Install CO Detectors

  • At least one per level of your home

  • Outside sleeping areas and in basements

  • Test monthly and replace batteries annually

  • Replace detectors every 5-7 years

Safe Heating Practices

  • Annual inspections of heating systems and chimneys

  • Proper ventilation for all fuel-burning appliances

  • Professional installation following manufacturer instructions

  • Clean chimneys and vents regularly

Generator Safety

  • Never run generators indoors - not in garages, basements, or crawl spaces

  • Keep generators 20+ feet from doors, windows, and vents

  • Point exhaust away from your home

  • Use during outages only - turn off when power returns

Never Do These Things

Absolute prohibitions that save lives:

  • Never burn charcoal indoors - not in fireplaces, stoves, or tents

  • Never use camp stoves inside for heating or cooking

  • Never warm up vehicles in closed or attached garages

  • Never use gas appliances (ovens, ranges) to heat your home

  • Never operate generators indoors or in partially enclosed spaces

  • Never ignore CO detector alarms - they don't false alarm often

If Your CO Detector Sounds

Immediate Actions

  1. Evacuate everyone immediately - get fresh air

  2. Count occupants and assess symptoms

  3. Call 911 immediately - report suspected CO poisoning

  4. Stay outside until fire department gives all-clear

  5. Seek medical attention for anyone with symptoms

Don't Re-enter Until Safe

OIFR will test your home and identify the CO source before you return. Never go back inside until we confirm it's safe.

Seasonal Reminders

Winter Storm Prep

  • Service heating systems before cold weather

  • Stock CO detector batteries

  • Plan generator placement away from structures

  • Never bring outdoor heating devices inside

Spring Maintenance

  • Clean chimneys and vents after heavy use

  • Test CO detectors

  • Schedule HVAC inspections

  • Check boat engines and cabin ventilation

Emergency Response

If you suspect CO poisoning:

  • Get everyone outside immediately

  • Call 911 - tell them "possible carbon monoxide poisoning"

  • Stay outside until emergency responders arrive

  • Seek medical evaluation even if symptoms improve

Remember: Island emergency response takes time - prevention and early detection save lives.

Questions About CO Safety?

Contact Orcas Island Fire & Rescue:

We're happy to answer questions about CO detectors, heating safety, or generator placement.

Bottom Line

Carbon monoxide is preventable. Install detectors, maintain equipment, and never bring outdoor combustion devices inside. Your vigilance protects your family and neighbors.