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Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month
Anywhere. Anyone. Anytime. That’s the reality of carbon monoxide poisoning. It knows no boundaries, and no one is immune. November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on this public health crisis. With more than 100,000 ER visits and 1,200 deaths in the U.S. each year, the need for awareness has never been greater.
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Every effort this month moves us closer to prevention. Test a carbon monoxide alarm, start a conversation, or share a survivor’s story; your actions matter. One month of focused attention can create ripples of protection that last all year.
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Together, let’s build awareness that truly protects everyone, everywhere.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly toxic gas, produced by fuel burning devices. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen, smelled, or heard, but can be extremely dangerous to humans. Carbon monoxide is only detectable with an electronic carbon monoxide sensor, alarm, or detector.​
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Who does carbon monoxide affect?
Carbon monoxide is a danger to anyone and does not discriminate. However, among the most vulnerable are these high-risk groups.
Elderly
Children
Hearing Impaired
Pregnant People
Immunocompromised
Socially/Economically Disadvantaged
Pets
How is carbon monoxide produced?
Carbon monoxide exposure can happen anywhere. It's produced by fuel-burning appliances and tools. You may have many in your home. Make sure you are aware of all fuel-burning appliances and tools in your home.
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Help us eliminate the silent killer.
Carbon monoxide safety tips:
Since carbon monoxide can be a danger at any time, the best way to protect yourself, family, and friends from carbon monoxide is to prevent it. Follow these carbon monoxide safety tips.
Have your appliances checked during inspection and then again every year.
Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is placed near each fuel-burning appliance.
Look for signs of a carbon monoxide leak (soot or black residue on appliances or above a fireplace).
Replace carbon monoxide alarms approximately every 10 years (or per manufacturer recommendations).
Use generators at least 20 feet away from any buildings.
Turn your car off in the garage, never leave the engine running.
Don't rely exclusively on carbon monoxide alarms, as they may not detect slow, lingering leaks under 30 ppm.
Do not use outdoor appliances inside or near open windows (grill, gas lantern, etc.).
Carry a carbon monoxide detector that goes to 0 ppm if you’re part of a vulnerable population.
Clear snow near your car’s exhaust in the snowy winter.
Stay upwind of any carbon monoxide sources outside.
Acute vs Chronic: Know the Difference.
Accidents happen. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. You can be poisoned in two ways: acute and chronic.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, it is an emergency. Follow these steps:
Immediately remove yourself and loved ones from the environment (home, business, school, vehicle, RV, garage).
Call for help (911, Fire Department, Gas company, qualified maintenance teams equipped with electronic sensors).
Do not return inside until you’re given all clear by emergency personnel or certified contractors.
Don’t use the faulty or improperly vented appliance again until it’s fixed.
After exposure, your cognitive abilities may be impaired. Have someone immediately drive you to the nearest medical facility. Carbon monoxide poisoning tests are time-sensitive (2.5-4 hours, ideally < 2 hours) and documenting your exposure level is important for a plan of care.
Carbon Monoxide Incidents
Across the Country
Every number on this map represents a real story, a life disrupted, a family impacted, a tragedy that could have been prevented.
This interactive map allows you to explore incidents across the U.S. based on media reports, showing a glimpse into the issues surrounding carbon monoxide poisonings. Click into each case to learn, raise awareness, and help us drive prevention through education and action.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Toolkit
The 2025 CO Awareness Month Toolkit is your all-in-one resource for November. Inside, you’ll find ready-to-use email templates, media assets, and shareable social posts that make raising awareness simple and effective. Explore each section, preview the materials, and download what you need to start spreading life-saving information in your community. When you share on social media, please use the hashtag #COAwarenessMonth.
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Fill out the form below and be part of the movement to end carbon monoxide poisoning. Stay informed with the latest CO safety news, resources, and upcoming events. Our newsletter delivers practical tips and important updates straight to your inbox so you can help protect your family, friends, and community.
Thank you for joining the fight for carbon monoxide safety! Your effort means the world to us.
​Our mission at NCOAA is to drive a comprehensive conversation on the public health crisis of chronic and acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Your support helps us raise awareness about carbon monoxide safety, which keeps our families and communities safe.
Thank You To Our CO Awareness Month Sponsors
Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and safety accessories, is North America’s #1 home fire safety brand* and has been keeping the world a safer place for over 100 years. Kidde produced the first integrated smoke detection system a century ago and continues its legacy today by delivering advanced home-safety technology. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
*Based on total household installations as of December 2021.
Leaders in thermoplastic piping systems, IPEX designs and manufactures the largest, most diverse range of integrated piping products – Everything professionals need to manage the full spectrum of municipal, industrial, commercial and residential challenges.