Gov. JB Pritzker has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in Illinois, with state officials urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning as the heating season begins.

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) say carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It is produced when fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, propane, wood and charcoal do not burn completely. According to national estimates cited in the release, carbon monoxide poisoning results in more than 100,000 emergency room visits and claims more than 1,200 lives each year in the United States.

"As temperatures drop and Illinois residents begin using furnaces, fireplaces, and other heating equipment, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of carbon monoxide," said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. "Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working properly, have heating equipment inspected and maintained regularly, and never ignore a CO alarm."

Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said residents should know the warning signs. "To protect the health and safety of loved ones, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including a headache with throbbing temples, shortness of breath, or flush skin," he said. "If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, get fresh air immediately and contact emergency services."

This year's theme is "A Lifetime of Protection: Every Age. Every Stage. Protected from CO." The release says carbon monoxide risks and safety needs can change throughout a person's life, from pregnancy and infancy to childhood, adulthood and older adulthood.

Safety tips

OSFM and IDPH encourage residents to follow these steps:

  • Install and maintain CO alarms. Make sure alarms are installed as required by law, test them regularly, and replace batteries or entire alarms according to manufacturer instructions and the alarm's expiration date.
  • Schedule annual inspections. Have furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced by qualified professionals.
  • Use generators safely. Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement or other enclosed or partially enclosed space. Keep generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents.
  • Never run vehicles in enclosed spaces. Do not run a vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
  • Use fuel-burning equipment properly. Never use outdoor grills, camp stoves or other outdoor fuel-burning devices inside a home or enclosed space.
  • Recognize the warning signs. Headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion can be symptoms of CO poisoning. Symptoms may resemble the flu without a fever.

If an alarm sounds

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or CO poisoning is suspected, everyone should immediately move outdoors to fresh air and call 911 from a safe location, officials said. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders say it is safe.

The agencies note that carbon monoxide exposure can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, infants, older adults and people with certain underlying health conditions. Because CO cannot be detected by human senses, functioning alarms and preventive maintenance are essential safeguards.

Source: the original release