February 24, 2025
Olympia – Carbon monoxide (CO), often referred to as the “invisible killer,” is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, or methane burn incompletely. Common household sources include heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel. CO poisoning can also occur when vehicles are left idling in garages or from improperly vented or malfunctioning equipment, such as heaters, furnaces, and portable generators.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2023, the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data included 82,245 CO incidents which required a local fire department response. This does not include the 79,051 CO alarm malfunctions and the 79,286 CO alarm activations where no CO was found present.
To protect yourself and your family, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) recommends these safety tips:
- Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
- For added protection, interconnect all CO alarms so they sound simultaneously when one is triggered.
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for placement and mounting heights.
- Test CO alarms monthly and replace them as instructed by the manufacturer.
- If your CO alarm goes off, immediately move to fresh air outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help and remain in a safe location until emergency responders confirm it’s safe to re-enter your home.
- Use portable gas generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas away from windows and doors.
- Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors, as they can emit deadly levels of CO.
- After snowstorms, check that vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are clear of snow and debris.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3904.
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