Iowa State Fire Marshal Urges Carbon Monoxide Safety as Winter Approaches; November Proclaimed CO Awareness Month
The Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, part of the Iowa Department of Public Safety, on November 5 in Des Moines reminded residents to take simple precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning as temperatures drop and heating use rises. Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in Iowa.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. It is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline and wood do not burn completely. "As we head into winter months, it's important Iowans make sure their homes are equipped with working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms," said State Fire Marshal Dan Wood. "Heating equipment should also be inspected and in good working order. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, but taking a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe winter season."
The division lists five safety steps: install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, test them regularly and replace them per manufacturer recommendations; have furnaces, fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced by qualified professionals; never operate generators indoors or in garages, keeping them outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents; never idle vehicles in garages, since carbon monoxide can accumulate even with the garage door open; and recognize the symptoms — headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness and confusion can be warning signs of poisoning.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or poisoning is suspected, everyone should move outside to fresh air immediately and call 911, and not reenter the building until emergency responders say it is safe. Carbon monoxide exposure can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, infants, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions.
(Source: Iowa Department of Public Safety)
Source: Iowa Department of Public Safety
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 爱荷华州议会大厦（Des Moines），Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0
