Minnesota is giving away 2,500 free CO alarms to high-risk homes in eight cities to prevent poisonings.

Minnesota is distributing 2,500 free carbon monoxide alarms to high-risk homes across eight cities, including Rochester, Duluth, and Willmar, as part of a state-wide campaign to prevent poisonings. The effort, funded by federal grants, aims to ensure residents have working detectors as colder weather increases heating system use. Recent incidents in Minnesota and Montana highlight the danger: multiple people were hospitalized after CO exposure, with symptoms mistaken for the flu. Officials stress that CO is odorless and deadly, and only working alarms can provide timely warning.