Orlando, FL – Winter officially begins today as Florida marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While Florida does not experience the same prolonged cold as northern states, safety officials say the longest night of the year still brings an increased risk inside homes—particularly from carbon monoxide exposure during cold snaps.
Unlike colder regions, Florida residents are less likely to run heating systems continuously throughout the winter. However, when temperatures drop overnight, space heaters, portable fuel heaters, fireplaces, and backup generators are often used suddenly and sometimes improperly. These short bursts of heating, combined with closed windows and limited ventilation, can increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel-burning appliances do not burn completely or are not properly vented. Because it cannot be seen or smelled, it is often 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 spikes frequently occurring during sudden cold weather events—even in southern states.
Medical experts warn that carbon monoxide poisoning disables far more people than it kills, often leaving survivors with long-term neurological or cognitive damage. Early symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. As exposure continues, symptoms can worsen to chest pain, vomiting, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and death. Because these symptoms can resemble flu-like illness or exhaustion, many people do not recognize the danger until exposure becomes severe.
Fire departments across Florida consistently warn that carbon monoxide incidents often increase during unexpected cold nights like those surrounding the Winter Solstice. Space heaters placed too close to walls, grills used indoors or on enclosed patios, and generators operated too close to homes are among the most common causes of carbon monoxide exposure in the state. Running a vehicle in an attached garage, even briefly, also poses a serious risk.
Safety officials urge Florida residents to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, even in homes that do not regularly use heating systems. 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 operate generators outdoors and far from windows and doors, and to ensure any heating equipment is used according to manufacturer guidelines.
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 Florida experiences the longest night of the year, safety officials say the Winter Solstice is more than a calendar milestone. It is also a reminder that carbon monoxide—the invisible killer—can pose a serious threat even in warm-weather states when cold weather catches residents off guard.
