Providence, RI – Winter officially begins today as Rhode Island observes the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While the solstice marks a seasonal turning point and the gradual return of daylight, safety officials say it also signals a period when hidden dangers inside homes become more likely—especially carbon monoxide exposure.
The longest night of the year often coincides with colder temperatures and extended hours of darkness, pushing heating systems to run longer and harder. Furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, space heaters, and backup generators see heavier use, while homes remain tightly sealed to keep out the cold. These conditions increase the likelihood of carbon monoxide building up indoors.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel-burning appliances do not operate properly or are inadequately ventilated. 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 highest risk.
Health 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 increases, symptoms can worsen to chest pain, vomiting, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, and death. Because these warning signs often resemble flu-like illness, many victims do not realize what is happening until the exposure becomes severe.
Fire departments across Rhode Island caution that long overnight periods—like those experienced during the Winter Solstice—are particularly dangerous. Extended darkness means heating systems may run nonstop, generators may be used during winter storms or outages, and vehicles are sometimes left running in garages to warm up. Running a vehicle in an attached or enclosed garage is one of the leading causes of fatal carbon monoxide exposure.
Safety officials urge Rhode Island 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 right away.
As Rhode Island moves through the longest night of the year, safety experts say the Winter Solstice is more than a seasonal milestone. It is also a reminder that carbon monoxide—the invisible killer—poses a serious but preventable threat when awareness and preparation fall short.
