Hartford, CT – Winter officially begins today as Connecticut marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While the solstice signals the gradual return of daylight in the days ahead, safety officials say it also marks a period when hidden dangers inside homes become more likely—especially carbon monoxide exposure.
The Winter Solstice brings extended darkness and colder temperatures, conditions that often push heating systems into constant use. Furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and backup generators work overtime as residents try to stay warm. With homes sealed tightly against the cold, ventilation is reduced, increasing the risk that carbon monoxide can build up indoors.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel-burning appliances do not operate properly or are not adequately vented. Because it cannot be seen or smelled, it is commonly referred to as the “invisible killer.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning sends tens of thousands of Americans to emergency rooms each year, with winter months posing the greatest risk.
Health experts warn that carbon monoxide poisoning disables far more people than it kills, often leaving survivors with lasting neurological or cognitive damage. Early symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. As exposure continues, symptoms may worsen to chest pain, vomiting, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and death. Because these symptoms can closely resemble the flu or common winter illness, many people do not realize they are being poisoned until the situation becomes severe.
Fire departments across Connecticut consistently caution that long overnight periods—such as those experienced during the Winter Solstice—are particularly dangerous. Extended darkness means heating systems run longer, generators may be used during winter storms or power outages, and vehicles are sometimes left idling in garages to warm up. Running a car in an attached or enclosed garage remains one of the leading causes of fatal carbon monoxide exposure.
Safety officials urge Connecticut residents to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Alarms should be tested regularly, and batteries replaced as needed. Residents are also advised never to use grills, camp stoves, or fuel-powered heaters indoors, to keep exhaust vents and chimneys clear of snow and ice, and to schedule annual inspections of heating systems.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, officials say residents should leave the home immediately and call 911 or the local fire department from outside. Anyone experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure should seek emergency medical care without delay.
As Connecticut experiences the longest night of the year, safety experts say the Winter Solstice serves as more than a seasonal milestone. It is also a reminder that carbon monoxide—the invisible killer—poses a serious but preventable danger when awareness and preparation fall short.
