Raleigh, NC – Winter officially begins today as North Carolina marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While the solstice is often associated with milder winter conditions compared to northern states, safety officials warn that the longest night of the year still brings elevated risks inside homes—particularly from carbon monoxide exposure.
Colder overnight temperatures across North Carolina often prompt increased use of furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters, and supplemental heating sources. In some areas, residents may also rely on generators during winter storms or power outages. With windows closed and homes sealed to retain warmth, ventilation is reduced, creating conditions where carbon monoxide can accumulate indoors.
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 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 accounting for the highest number of incidents.
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 escalate to chest pain, vomiting, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and death. Because these warning signs can resemble flu-like illness or general fatigue, many people do not recognize the danger until exposure becomes severe.
Fire departments across North Carolina caution that long overnight periods—such as those experienced during the Winter Solstice—are especially dangerous. Extended darkness means heating systems may run for hours without interruption, fireplaces may be used more frequently, and vehicles are sometimes left idling in garages to warm up. Running a vehicle in an attached or enclosed garage, even briefly, remains one of the most common causes of deadly carbon monoxide exposure.
Safety officials urge North Carolina 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 debris, and to have heating systems inspected regularly.
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 of carbon monoxide exposure should seek emergency medical care without delay.
As North Carolina experiences the longest night of the year, safety officials say the Winter Solstice is not just 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.
