The hierarchy that works
Keep the heat already there
The safest and cheapest solution: limit losses before trying to produce heat.
Gather in a single room
Smaller to heat, easier to insulate, and simpler to monitor.
Get a safe portable heater, as a last resort
Always with ventilation, never continuously, never for the night.
Keeping the heat before heating
- Close shutters and curtains as soon as night falls to limit losses through the glazing.
- Seal the bottom of doors with a thick cloth, as you would against smoke.
- Gather the household in a single room, the easiest to insulate, rather than heating the whole home.
- Layer clothing and blankets rather than looking for a powerful heat source.
Getting a portable heater, safely
If a gas or oil heater becomes necessary, health authorities (prefectures, ARS) give precise rules:
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| Occasional use, about 2 hours | Prolonged or continuous use greatly increases the poisoning risk. |
| Properly ventilated room | Incomplete combustion, due to lack of air, releases carbon monoxide. |
| Never while sleeping | Early poisoning signs (drowsiness, headaches) go unnoticed during sleep. |
| Carbon monoxide detector as a complement | In addition to the smoke detector, already mandatory in every home. |
Carbon monoxide: the one real ban
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, non-irritating gas: it can't be smelled, seen, or felt stinging the eyes. That's what makes it dangerous. According to the Ministry of Health, it is in France the leading cause of death by accidental poisoning in the home, with around 3,000 people poisoned every year.
Authorities recommend airing for at least 10 minutes every day, even in the depths of winter, and keeping ventilation systems in good working order.
Mistakes to avoid
- Blocking air vents to avoid losing heat: that's exactly what traps carbon monoxide indoors.
- Running a portable heater all night. Poisoning symptoms resemble fatigue, and go unnoticed while sleeping.
- Using a generator or barbecue indoors, even "just for a moment". See our guide on power outages for details.
- Not having a carbon monoxide detector in addition to the mandatory smoke detector.
Practical guides, even without network
LASTLINE doesn't replace a carbon monoxide detector, but can help you:
- keep your practical guides and first-aid info accessible, even without connection;
- track your checklist (blankets, warm clothing) integrated into the 72h bag.
LASTLINE doesn't detect carbon monoxide: only a dedicated physical detector can.
See my practical guidesFrequently asked questions
Can a gas or oil portable heater be used continuously?
No. Health authorities recommend occasional use, limited to about 2 hours, and reserved for properly ventilated rooms. These devices must never run continuously, nor in a closed room without ventilation.
Should all air vents be closed to keep the heat in?
No, never completely. Health authorities remind us that air inlets and outlets must never be blocked, even in extreme cold, and that a room should be aired for at least 10 minutes a day, even in winter.
What are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Headaches, nausea, dizziness and unusual fatigue affecting several household members at the same time should raise the alarm. Since carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, these symptoms are often the only warning sign. If in doubt, go outside for fresh air and call 15 or 112.
Sources
- Nord Prefecture, Carbon monoxide and portable heaters: the right actions.
- Ministry of Health, Carbon monoxide poisoning.
In case of unexplained illness affecting several people at once, go outside immediately for fresh air and call 15 or 112.