Carbon monoxide prevention
Safe operation of generators, stoves, heaters and other combustion devices.
Critical caution: Never run a generator, barbecue, charcoal burner or unflued combustion device inside a home, garage, tent or enclosed area.
- Time
- 15 minutes setup
- Difficulty
- Low
- Outcome
- Prevent invisible carbon-monoxide poisoning
Survival lens: The practical survival lesson is that secondary hazards kill. Energy is useful only if exhaust, fuel and fire risks remain outside the living system.
Before you begin
- Read the manufacturer instructions
- Check wind and nearby openings
- Keep children away from equipment
What you need
- Battery CO alarms
- Outdoor-rated extension equipment
- Approved fuel containers
- Weather cover designed for the appliance
Step-by-step procedure
- Place combustion equipment outdoors. Use the manufacturer’s minimum clearance and keep it well away from windows, doors, vents, eaves and enclosed courtyards.
- Direct exhaust away. Check wind and prevent exhaust from entering neighbouring buildings or shelters.
- Keep it dry without enclosing it. Use only a purpose-designed weather cover that preserves cooling and exhaust clearances.
- Install alarms. Place functioning CO alarms in occupied and sleeping areas according to their instructions.
- Refuel cold. Turn equipment off, allow it to cool and move fuel carefully. Store fuel outside living areas.
- Respond to symptoms. Headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness or confusion can indicate exposure. Move everyone to fresh air and seek emergency help.
How to check it is working
- Equipment is outside—not in a garage, shed, tent or veranda enclosure
- No exhaust points toward an opening
- CO alarms test correctly
- Fuel is separated from ignition and food
Common mistakes
- Assuming an open garage door makes operation safe
- Using a barbecue or charcoal for indoor heat
- Ignoring mild shared symptoms
- Refuelling a hot generator
Sources and further reading
How this guide was checked
Official-source aligned: Aligned with CDC carbon-monoxide and power-outage guidance
Independent specialist review: not yet completed. How review works.
Last updated: Nov 2026 · edition 1.0.
Open in the library to print or download · Suggest a correction · Kit planner