Virginia governor issues urgent carbon monoxide safety warning as residents turn to generators and heaters during storm
Richmond, Virginia – Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is urging residents across the Commonwealth to take immediate steps to protect their families from carbon monoxide exposure as a dangerous winter storm continues to impact the state and emergency rooms see a troubling rise in related cases.
In a statement released yesterday, Spanberger warned that healthcare providers are seeing a noticeable spike in patients suffering from cold-related injuries and carbon monoxide exposure, especially in parts of Central Virginia. She stressed that carbon monoxide poisoning is not just a minor risk during winter storms, but a life-threatening danger that can strike quickly when people try to heat their homes without proper ventilation.
“Healthcare providers statewide — but particularly in Central Virginia — are seeing a significant increase in emergency room visits for hypothermia, cold exposure, and carbon monoxide exposure amid this dangerous winter storm,” said Governor Spanberger. “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly and is caused by improper ventilation of generators or other heating sources as Virginians look to stay warm. Virginians should follow all Virginia Department of Health recommendations to ensure their homes are properly ventilated and their families are protected. Our state agencies are working day and night to respond to this storm, and our priority is keeping Virginians safe.”
Safety steps to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure
State officials are encouraging Virginians to follow all Virginia Department of Health recommendations, especially as power outages and freezing temperatures can push families to rely on generators, space heaters, and other emergency heat sources.
Health leaders emphasized that portable generators must be used outside only, and they should be placed at least 20 feet from the home, with exhaust directed away from the house and other buildings. They warned residents to never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed, or garage, even if doors are open, because deadly fumes can build up fast.
VDH also urged residents to use space heaters carefully. People should not leave space heaters running while sleeping or unattended, since the risk of fire and toxic exposure can increase when heaters are left on without supervision. Officials also stressed that space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and never into a power strip, which can overheat and create additional hazards.
Another key safety measure is ensuring working carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Virginians are being urged to have detectors on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas, since carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless and can overwhelm people before they realize something is wrong.
If a carbon monoxide detector indicates high levels, residents are warned to leave the building immediately and call 911.
As the storm continues, Spanberger’s message is clear that staying warm should never come at the cost of safety. By following VDH guidance and taking precautions now, families can reduce the risk of a silent and deadly emergency inside their own homes.
