Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in Illinois, encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. This year’s theme, “A Lifetime of Protection: Every Age. Every Stage. Protected from CO.”, highlights how carbon monoxide risks and safety needs can change throughout a person’s life. The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourage residents to follow these important carbon monoxide safety tips:

• Install and maintain CO alarms. Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed as required by law, test them regularly, and replace batteries or entire alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the alarm’s expiration date.

• Schedule annual inspections. Have furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected and serviced by qualified professionals.

• Recognize the warning signs. Headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion can be symptoms of CO poisoning. Symptoms may resemble the flu without a fever.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or CO poisoning is suspected, everyone should immediately move outdoors to fresh air and call 911 from a safe location.