Manchester, NH – Winter officially begins today as New Hampshire marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While the solstice signals the slow return of daylight in the days ahead, safety officials say it also marks a critical period when hidden home dangers become more likely—especially carbon monoxide exposure.
According to public safety officials, the Winter Solstice often aligns with prolonged cold, extended nighttime hours, and increased use of heating equipment. Furnaces, wood stoves, fireplaces, generators, and space heaters tend to run longer as temperatures drop, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup inside homes.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created when fuel does not burn completely. Because it cannot be seen or smelled, it is often referred to as the “silent” or “invisible” killer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that carbon monoxide poisoning sends tens of thousands of Americans to emergency rooms each year, with winter being the most dangerous season.
Medical experts say carbon monoxide poisoning disables far more people than it kills, often causing long-term neurological damage. Early symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. As exposure worsens, symptoms may escalate to chest pain, vomiting, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and even death. Because these symptoms can resemble the flu, many people do not realize what is happening until exposure becomes severe.
Fire departments across New Hampshire consistently warn that the risk increases during long overnight periods like those experienced on the Winter Solstice. Extended darkness means heating systems operate for longer stretches, backup generators may be used during power outages, and vehicles may be left running in garages—one of the most common and dangerous sources of indoor carbon monoxide.
Safety officials urge residents to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Batteries should be checked regularly, and alarms should never be ignored. Residents are also warned never to use grills or fuel-powered heaters indoors, to keep vents and flues clear of snow and ice, and to schedule annual inspections of heating systems.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, experts say residents should leave the home immediately and call 911 or the local fire department from outside. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek emergency medical care without delay.
As New Hampshire moves through the longest night of the year, officials say the Winter Solstice is not only a seasonal milestone but also a reminder to stay alert. The danger of carbon monoxide may be invisible, but awareness and preparation can prevent tragedy.
