State Fire Marshal Urges Carbon Monoxide Safety as Winter Approaches

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Source material from Iowa Department of Public Safety. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

State Fire Marshal Urges Carbon Monoxide Safety as Winter Approaches

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Press Release

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November 5, 2026

DES MOINES, Iowa - As temperatures drop and Iowans turn up the heat, the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division is reminding residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, drawing attention to the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, and wood do not burn completely.

“As we head into winter months, it’s important Iowans make sure their homes are equipped with working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms,” says State Fire Marshal Dan Wood. “Heating equipment should also be inspected and in good working order. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, but taking a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe winter season.”

The State Fire Marshal Division encourages Iowans to take these important safety steps:

Check your alarms. Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Test them regularly and replace according to manufacturer recommendations.

Inspect heating equipment. Have furnaces, fireplaces, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced by qualified professionals.

Use generators safely. Never operate generators indoors or in garages. Keep them outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents.

Never idle vehicles in garages. Carbon monoxide can accumulate even when the garage door is open.

Recognize the symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion can be warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or poisoning is suspected, immediately move everyone outside to fresh air and call 911. Do not reenter the building until emergency responders say it is safe. Carbon monoxide exposure can be especially dangerous for pregnant individuals, infants, older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Taking time now, to check alarms and heating equipment, can help keep Iowa families safe throughout colder months.

For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association.

Governor Reynolds’ Proclamation (539.61 KB) Archived .pdf

ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.

Iowa Department of Public Safety

215 E. 7th St.

Des Moines, IA 50319

https://dps.iowa.gov

Contact DPS

Dan Wood, State Fire Marshal

Iowa State Fire Marshal

Location

Oran Pape State Office Building

215 E 7th St

Des Moines, IA 50319

Email Address

[email protected]

Website(s)

Iowa SFM

Phone(s)

Primary

515.725.6150

Social media links

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Related Links

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Release text attributed to Iowa Department of Public Safety. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.