Winter nights feel peaceful and safe. Rooms are closed tightly, heaters are turned on, and families sleep believing they are protected from the cold. In reality, the lack of fresh air slowly allows a deadly gas to build up without any warning.
How Carbon Monoxide Is Produced
Carbon monoxide is created when fuel burns without enough oxygen. This usually happens in winter because doors and windows remain shut for long hours. Gas heaters, LPG cylinders, and poorly maintained burners become major sources.
Main sources include:
- Gas and LPG heaters
- Coal or charcoal heaters
- Blocked chimneys or exhaust pipes
- Engines running in enclosed areas
How It Builds Up Inside Rooms
When ventilation is blocked, oxygen levels start falling. At the same time, carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the air people breathe. The room stays warm, but breathing becomes silently dangerous.
Common mistakes people make:
- Sleeping with heaters switched on
- Sealing windows completely
- Using small rooms without air flow
- Ignoring heater exhaust direction
What Happens to the Human Body
Carbon monoxide enters the blood and blocks oxygen supply. The brain and heart are affected first, causing slow and quiet failure. Most victims feel sleepy before they lose consciousness.
Early warning signs:
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea and confusion
- Unusual sleepiness
Why Snowfall Makes the Risk Higher
Snowfall blocks natural air paths without people noticing. Chimneys, vents, and windows get covered with snow and ice. Even safe heaters turn deadly when fresh air is cut off.
Hidden snowfall dangers:
- Exhaust pipes blocked by snow
- Rooms sealed for longer periods
- Delayed rescue due to blocked roads
If Exits or Roads Are Blocked by Snow
People try to stay warm and avoid going outside. Running heaters continuously becomes the biggest mistake in such conditions. Fresh air must be maintained even during extreme cold.
What should be done:
- Clear snow from vents and windows regularly
- Turn heaters off at intervals
- Never use vehicles for warmth indoors
- Leave immediately if dizziness starts
Simple Actions That Save Lives
Preventing carbon monoxide exposure is simple but critical. Small habits reduce risk more than expensive equipment. Fresh air is as important as warmth in winter.
Life-saving steps:
- Never sleep with gas heaters on
- Keep one window slightly open
- Avoid indoor use of charcoal or coal
- Install carbon monoxide detectors
Vehicle Choice in Hilly & Snowfall Areas
Winter travel in hills demands the right vehicle. Poor vehicle choice increases both accident and poisoning risks. Safety starts before the journey begins.
Preferred vehicles:
- 4×4 or all-wheel-drive vehicles
- Vehicles with good ground clearance
- Snow chains and winter tires