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Home safety & tools · Updated

Carbon monoxide safety during a power outage

How do I stay safe from carbon monoxide during a power outage?

Never run a generator, grill, camp stove, or gas oven inside your home or garage. Put generators outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents. Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms near every sleeping area, and get to fresh air and call 911 if anyone feels dizzy or sick.

The short answer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you cannot see, smell, or taste. It is made when fuel burns, and it builds up quickly in closed spaces. Blackouts are a high-risk time, because people reach for generators, grills, and stoves to cook or keep warm. The safe rule is simple: fuel-burning equipment stays outside, and battery CO alarms stay inside.

What makes carbon monoxide

The CDC lists these common sources:

  • portable generators
  • charcoal grills
  • gas ranges and stoves
  • gas- and oil-burning furnaces and water heaters
  • lanterns and fireplaces
  • cars and trucks, small engines
  • blocked chimneys

During an outage, the most dangerous mistakes are running a generator in a garage or basement, bringing a grill or camp stove indoors, and heating a room with a gas oven. Ready.gov warns against using a gas stove or oven to heat your home because of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire risk.

Rules for generators

  • Outdoors only. The CDC says to run generators outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.
  • Never in the garage, even with the door open. The CDC says that open doors and windows do not make it safe.
  • Point the exhaust away from your home and your neighbours'.
  • Keep it dry. Ready.gov says to protect it from rain and flooding, because touching a wet generator can cause shock.
  • Cool before refuelling, since fuel spilled on hot parts can ignite.
  • Use heavy-duty cords to connect appliances.

A battery power station makes no exhaust, which is why it is safer to use indoors. See run a fridge on a portable power station.

Rules for grills and camp stoves

Charcoal and gas grills, camp stoves, and propane burners are for outdoors only. That includes a covered porch, a garage, or a tent. Keep them well away from windows and doors. Our guide on cooking without power has safer options.

CO alarms: where and how

The CDC advises battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors near every sleeping area, and says to:

  • check the batteries when you change your clocks in spring and fall
  • consider a model with a digital display that shows peak CO levels
  • replace detectors following the maker's instructions or every five years

Ready.gov adds that you should have CO detectors with battery backup on every level of your home. A plug-in alarm without a battery will not work in a blackout, so choose a battery model.

If you also need smoke protection in the bedroom hallway, a combination alarm covers both.

Test the button on each alarm today. If an alarm sounds, take it seriously.

Warning signs

The CDC says symptoms of CO poisoning often feel like the flu. Watch for:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • upset stomach or vomiting
  • chest pain
  • confusion

Heavy exposure can cause fainting or death. The CDC notes that people who are sleeping or intoxicated can die before symptoms appear. Children, older adults, and pets can be affected sooner.

If you suspect carbon monoxide

  1. Get everyone outside into fresh air right away. Do not stop to collect things.
  2. Call 911 or your local emergency number from outside.
  3. Do not go back in until firefighters say it is safe.
  4. Tell a doctor if anyone had symptoms, even if they feel better.

The CDC page we read describes the symptoms and prevention. The steps above (fresh air, 911) are standard emergency advice.

Using a Mr. Heater Buddy indoors

Some small propane heaters are designed for indoor use. They have a low-oxygen shutoff and a tip-over shutoff. This is the one type of fuel-burning heater some people choose to use inside in an emergency. If you use one:

  • Read the manual and use it only as the maker describes.
  • Have a working battery CO alarm in the same room or hallway, and test it first.
  • Crack a window slightly for fresh air, as the instructions usually say.
  • Keep it far from curtains, bedding, and furniture.
  • Never leave it on while you sleep or while no adult is awake.
  • Use only the right fuel, and refill outdoors with the heater off and cool.
  • Stop using it if the CO alarm sounds, the heater smells, or you feel unwell.

Even with these rules, a fuel-burning heater adds risk. Use warm clothes and blankets first. See our guide on staying warm without power.

Make a quick plan today

  1. Test every CO alarm and replace dead batteries.
  2. Tell your family that generators and grills never come inside.
  3. Choose a spot outdoors, 20 feet from the house, for any generator.
  4. Put these rules on the fridge.

Next steps

Questions

Can I run a generator in the garage with the door open?

No. The CDC says never to use a generator inside a home or garage, even with doors and windows open.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The CDC lists headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. They can feel like the flu. People who are asleep can die before symptoms appear.

Where should CO alarms go?

The CDC advises battery-operated or battery backup detectors near every sleeping area. Ready.gov adds one on every level of the home.

How often should I replace a CO alarm?

The CDC says to replace detectors per the maker's instructions or every five years. Check the batteries when the clocks change.

Is it safe to heat with a gas stove?

No. Ready.gov says never to use a gas stove or oven to heat your home because of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire risk.

Sources

  1. About carbon monoxide poisoning, CDC
  2. Power Outages, Ready.gov
  3. Winter Weather, Ready.gov

This guide is general information, not medical, legal or electrical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.