Last spring, I had one of those mornings where everything felt routine. I got my kids ready for school, but honestly, I can’t recall the exact time I left, the weather, or even what I wore. After dropping them off at school, I returned home between 9:05 and 9:12 a.m., depending on how long I had to navigate the parent drop-off chaos. I closed the garage door, disarmed the alarm, and went about my day—probably juggling laundry, appointments, and maybe a bit of reality TV.
It wasn’t until I headed back to the garage around 4:15 to pick up the kids that I had a heart-stopping realization: I had left my car running. In an attached garage. Directly beneath my bedroom. For seven hours. The expressions on the firefighters’ faces when they arrived told me everything: I was extremely fortunate to be alive.
I find myself reflecting on that day often. What led to this near disaster? Did I leave the engine running because I was distracted by a phone call? Or did I accidentally activate the remote start while managing my phone, keys, and coffee? It hardly matters, because either of these small blunders could have turned fatal.
Did you know that leaving your car running in a garage—even with the door open—can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate? I had no idea. All those chilly winter mornings spent warming up my car for the kids or rushing back inside to grab a forgotten lunch were potentially lethal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 400 lives are lost in the U.S. each year due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s colorless, odorless, and can be deadly within minutes.
Here are some tips to help keep your home safe from this silent killer:
- Never leave your car running in an attached garage, even with the door open. Fumes can build up quickly, creating a hazardous environment.
- If your vehicle has a tailgate, always open the vents or windows when it’s open to ensure proper airflow. Just having the tailgate open can draw carbon monoxide inside.
- Avoid using gasoline-powered tools—like generators, lawnmowers, or chainsaws—in enclosed spaces such as garages.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector if you haven’t already. If it goes off, get outside and call 911 immediately. If you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion, leave the area and seek medical help.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, check out the EPA’s resources here, and for pregnancy and home insemination guidance, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, staying vigilant about carbon monoxide safety can save lives. Simple actions—like ensuring your car is turned off before entering your home—can prevent tragic accidents.