Carbon Monoxide Risk: Keep Stoves and Heaters Out of Tents
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas produced when fuel burns. In a small, enclosed space such as a tent or camper shell, it can build up to dangerous levels quickly, and early symptoms are easy to mistake for tiredness or altitude.
Why tents are risky
Stoves, gas lanterns, charcoal grills and portable heaters all produce carbon monoxide. A tent traps it, and cold weather tempts people to zip everything shut. Charcoal is especially dangerous because it continues to produce the gas while smoldering.
Fabric, sleeping bags and hair also burn easily, adding a fire risk in a confined space.
Recognizing poisoning
Early signs include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion. Several people feeling unwell at the same time in the same shelter is a warning sign. Sleeping people may not wake at all.
If anyone shows symptoms, get everyone into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical help.
Symptoms can appear gradually over an evening in a closed shelter, so treat a headache that started after cooking or heating nearby as a reason to ventilate and move outside, not to lie down.
Cooking and warming safely
Cook in open air, away from the tent. In bad weather, use a sheltered spot outside rather than the vestibule, and follow your stove manufacturer's warnings. Stay warm with a good sleeping system, dry clothes, a hot drink before bed and a bottle of hot water in your sleeping bag.
Battery lanterns are the safe choice for light inside a tent.