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Illinois CO Warning Today: Furnace Season Brings Deadly Gas Risk
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois residents are being urged to check their carbon monoxide alarms as colder November weather arrives and households begin using furnaces and other heating equipment more frequ
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-11-06T17:36:14.902Z
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois residents are being urged to check their carbon monoxide alarms as colder November weather arrives and households begin using furnaces and other heating equipment more frequently. State fire officials warn that the invisible gas can become deadly without warning.
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious seasonal safety concern because the gas is colorless, odorless and impossible to detect without a functioning carbon monoxide alarm.
The agency shared a public safety reminder Friday, Nov. 6, emphasizing the importance of prevention as temperatures drop across Illinois.
Warning Signs Can Resemble Common Illnesses Carbon monoxide exposure can produce symptoms that resemble the flu or other common illnesses, making poisoning difficult to recognize.
Possible symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness and confusion.
Severe exposure can result in unconsciousness or death.
Unlike many household hazards, carbon monoxide cannot be detected by sight or smell.
Illinois Families Urged to Check Alarms Fire safety officials recommend installing working carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
Residents should also have fuel burning appliances inspected regularly and follow manufacturer recommendations for replacing aging detectors.
Additional precautions include never leaving vehicles running inside attached garages and avoiding the use of outdoor generators, grills or other fuel burning equipment indoors.
What to Do if an Alarm Sounds The Illinois State Fire Marshal emphasizes that residents should never ignore a sounding carbon monoxide alarm.
If an alarm activates, everyone should leave the building immediately, move into fresh air and call 911.
Residents should not reenter until emergency personnel determine the building is safe.
With colder weather increasing the use of home heating systems, officials say a few preventive steps could help protect families from an otherwise undetectable danger.