Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Danger in Your Home

As temperatures begin to cool and we spend more time indoors, October is the perfect time to review an often overlooked home safety concern: carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness, unconsciousness, and even death. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste it, dangerous levels can build up inside a home without anyone realizing something is wrong.

For older adults, recognizing the risks and taking a few simple precautions can make an important difference.

A Real-Life Reminder of Why Home Safety Matters

Recently, a UnaliWear customer experienced a frightening situation at home that highlights just how unexpected an emergency can be.

The customer briefly lost consciousness and fell. His Kanega Watch automatically detected the fall and initiated an emergency alert. Although he regained consciousness, he was unable to get back up on his own.

When firefighters arrived, their carbon monoxide detection equipment alerted them to dangerous conditions inside the home. Recognizing the potential threat, they quickly helped the customer out of the house.

While we don’t know whether carbon monoxide exposure caused the customer to lose consciousness, the incident serves as an important reminder of two things: the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of having a way to summon help when you cannot reach a phone.

In this situation, the Kanega Watch helped initiate an emergency response, and the firefighters’ equipment identified an additional danger that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Where Does Carbon Monoxide Come From?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, wood, or oil burn.

Common household sources include:

• Gas furnaces and water heaters
• Gas stoves and ovens
• Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves
• Vehicles running in attached garages
• Portable generators
• Gas-powered equipment

When appliances malfunction, ventilation becomes blocked, or engines operate in enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide can accumulate to dangerous levels.

5 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Home

1. Install and Maintain Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Working carbon monoxide alarms are among the most important safety devices in your home.

Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas, following the manufacturer’s placement instructions.

• Test your alarms at least once a month.
• Replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check the expiration date. Many CO alarms need replacement after 5–10 years, depending on the model.
• Consider interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.

Helpful reminder: When daylight saving time ends in November, use the clock change as an opportunity to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

2. Double-Check Your Gas Appliances

After cooking, make sure every burner on your gas stove is completely turned off.

Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home, even during a power outage.

Have your furnace, water heater, fireplace, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly by a qualified professional. Proper maintenance can help identify problems before they become dangerous.

3. Never Leave a Vehicle Running in the Garage

It may be tempting to warm up your vehicle before heading out on a chilly morning, but never leave a vehicle running inside an attached garage.

Even with the garage door open, carbon monoxide can accumulate or enter your home.

Always move the vehicle completely outside before allowing the engine to idle.

4. Keep Generators and Outdoor Equipment Outside

Portable generators can be especially dangerous when used improperly.

Never operate a generator, charcoal grill, or gasoline powered equipment inside your home, garage, basement, or enclosed porch.

Place generators outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents, with exhaust directed away from the home.

5. Recognize the Warning Signs

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to recognize because its early symptoms often resemble the flu or ordinary fatigue.

Common symptoms include:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea or weakness
• Confusion or unusual tiredness
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness

Older adults and people with certain medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable to serious complications.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not return until emergency personnel confirm that it is safe.

If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, seek immediate medical attention, even if you begin feeling better after getting outside.

Make Home Safety Part of Your Fall Routine

As the seasons change, take a few minutes to review your home’s safety equipment and emergency preparedness.

Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, check their batteries and expiration dates, schedule maintenance for heating equipment, and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.

A few simple precautions today can help prevent a dangerous situation tomorrow.

Because maintaining independence isn’t just about staying active. It’s also about staying safe, being prepared, and knowing help is available when you need it.