

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention

Palm trees blowing in stormWhen power outages occur after severe weather (such as hurricanes or tornadoes), using alternative sources of power can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in a home and poison the people and animals inside.


CO is found in fumes produced by portable generators, stoves, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

Graphic: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning can't be seen, smelled or heard, but can be stopped. Graphic: Carbon Monoxodie (CO) can be deadly. Protect your family. Install a CO gas detector.

How to Recognize CO Poisoning


Click Here for Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips in 16 Additional Languages.


CO poisoning is entirely preventable. You can protect yourself and your family by acting wisely in case of a power outage and learning the symptoms of CO poisoning.

For more information, please visit