November 01, 2026
WHEREAS, carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted and can cause serious illness or death when inhaled; and,
WHEREAS, carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal, oil, or wood are burned in furnaces, generators, vehicles, fireplaces, grills, and other equipment, and can build to dangerous or deadly levels in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces; and,
WHEREAS, carbon monoxide interferes with the body’s ability to carry oxygen, and symptoms of CO poisoning may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and shortness of breath, with prolonged or high-level exposure potentially resulting in serious injury or death; and,
WHEREAS, carbon monoxide poisoning can affect people at every age and every stage of life, while developing babies, children, and older adults may face unique risks from exposure; and,
WHEREAS, developing babies are particularly vulnerable because carbon monoxide crosses the placenta and fetal blood absorbs CO more readily than adult blood; and,
WHEREAS, children have smaller bodies and breathe more rapidly than adults, potentially increasing the effects of CO exposure in children; and,
WHEREAS, older adults may be especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning and can experience more serious health effects following exposure, underscoring the importance of prevention, early detection, and prompt response at every stage of life; and,
WHEREAS, in 2024, Michigan recorded 608 cases of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, including 42 deaths, demonstrating that CO poisoning remains a serious yet preventable public health and safety concern in communities across our state; and,
WHEREAS, working carbon monoxide alarms provide critical early warning of dangerous CO levels, and Michigan residents are encouraged to install CO alarms on every level of their homes, near sleeping areas, test them monthly, and ensure alarms are maintained and replaced according to manufacturer’s recommendations; and,
WHEREAS, residents can further reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by having vehicles and fuel burning appliances, such as heating systems and water heaters, properly inspected and maintained and by ensuring that these devices are appropriately ventilated; and,
WHEREAS, carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by operating portable generators at least 20 feet away from homes, Never running vehicles in garages or other enclosed spaces, and never using grills, generators, or other outdoor fuel-burning equipment indoors; and,
WHEREAS, when a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or CO poisoning is suspected, everyone should immediately move outside to fresh air, call 911, and remain outside until emergency responders determine that it is safe to return; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs through the Bureau of Fire Services and MI Prevention are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan State Police, Michigan’s fire service, and community partners to raise awareness, provide education and resources and help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning across Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, the 2026 Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month message, “Every Age. Every Stage.”, reminds Michigan residents that carbon monoxide poisoning can affect anyone throughout their lifetime and that awareness, prevention, working CO alarms, and knowing how to respond can save lives;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2026 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month in Michigan and encourage all residents to learn the risks of carbon monoxide, take steps to prevent exposure, maintain working CO alarms, and help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
