National Safety Month: Don’t Overlook Carbon Monoxide Safety This Summer

Every June, National Safety Month encourages families, workplaces, and communities to focus on preventing injuries and creating safer environments. People often focus on important safety topics like fire prevention, water safety, and workplace safety. This year, help us make sure carbon monoxide safety is not overlooked.

National Safety Month is the perfect time to remember that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen anytime, anywhere, and during any season.

Many people associate carbon monoxide with winter heating systems, but summer activities can create serious CO risks that families may not expect.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Is Part of National Safety Month

As summer settles in, people spend more time traveling, boating, camping, grilling, and preparing for summer storms and power outages. Unfortunately, many of these activities involve equipment that can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Common summer CO risks include:

• Portable generators during storms or outages

• Charcoal grills used too close to structures or indoors

• Boats, RVs, cars, and other fuel-burning vehicles

• Hotels and vacation rentals without proper CO protection

Carbon monoxide is known as the “invisible killer” because it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion can easily be mistaken for dehydration, heat exhaustion, or illness during the summer months.

That is why National Safety Month is an important reminder to include carbon monoxide protection in every family’s summer safety plan.

National Safety Month Safety Tips for Your Home

One of the most effective ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is by making sure your home has working CO alarms installed on every level and outside sleeping areas.

Safety Month is also a great opportunity to:

• Test carbon monoxide alarms

• Replace batteries if needed

• Check alarm expiration dates

• Review emergency plans with your family

• Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning

Keep in mind, carbon monoxide risks do not stop at home. National Safety Month is a reminder to think about safety wherever summer takes you.

Portable CO Monitors Can Help Protect You While Traveling

During National Safety Month, it is important to remember that carbon monoxide risks do not stop when you leave home.

Portable carbon monoxide monitors provide an extra layer of protection while traveling or staying in unfamiliar places. Whether you are visiting a hotel, Airbnb, camper, boat, or vacation rental, a portable monitor can help alert you to dangerous CO levels where permanent alarms may be missing, outdated, or improperly installed.

For many survivors and families impacted by CO poisoning, exposure happened when they least expected it.

Be in the know wherever you go. Get your own portable CO monitor here. 

Make Carbon Monoxide Safety Part of National Safety Month

This National Safety Month, the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association encourages everyone to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remember to:

Feel free to download and share our carbon monoxide poisoning infographic.

• Test your CO alarms

• Replace expired alarms

• Never use generators indoors or near windows

• Keep grills away from enclosed spaces

• Learn the warning signs of CO poisoning

• Bring a portable CO monitor when traveling

National Safety Month is about creating safer homes, safer travel experiences, and safer communities. Carbon monoxide safety should be part of that conversation every year.

Help spread awareness by letting your friends know that carbon monoxide is part of your National Safety Month plan.

Learn more about carbon monoxide safety resources and portable CO monitors at the NCOAA Shop.

About the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA)

The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning through education, advocacy, and collaboration. We work with experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance safety standards, promote the use of certified carbon monoxide detection, and raise awareness about the dangers of CO. Through initiatives like Hill Day and our national coalition, NCOAA is committed to turning awareness into action and helping protect families and communities across the country.

Learn more about carbon monoxide safety and prevention at: www.ncoaa.us.