SFMO Shares Safety Tips to Highlight Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day

Friday, September 16, 2016 | 01:52pm

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office commemorates the state’s annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day (September 18) by reminding Tennesseans of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide, often called the “silent killer.”

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (like gasoline, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, methane or wood) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel, such as barbecue grills, fireplaces, and fuel-powered heaters are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can also be produced by portable generators and vehicles.

In 2015, legislation was signed by Governor Bill Haslam declaring Sept. 18 of each calendar year as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day in Tennessee. The legislation was sponsored in the House by Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville) and in the Senate by Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville).

The designation was made in honor of five friends killed as a result of CO poisoning on Sept. 18, 2011 in Clarksville, Tenn.  Jon and Kathryn Watson Over, Jim Wall, Tim Stone and Allison Bagwell-Wyatt lost their lives at a children’s charity fundraiser when carbon monoxide fumes from a generator seeped into their rented RV. The RV’s carbon monoxide detector, which could have prevented the deaths, was later discovered to have no batteries.

“We join the families of CO poisoning victims in striving to stop this silent killer,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “We urge Tennesseans to educate themselves and their families about carbon monoxide risks.”

The Clarksville tragedy has led to greater efforts to protect consumers and raise awareness of CO poisoning. Tennessee law now requires that rented RVs must have functioning carbon monoxide detectors before being leased for use. The law also holds RV rental companies responsible if they fail to document and test the CO detectors in their leased vehicles. While the law only applies to RV rentals, it is imperative that RV owners also be diligent in testing and changing the batteries of carbon monoxide detectors in their own campers.

The SFMO offers the following tips to help Tennesseans reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home or RV. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.​
  • Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
  • Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
  • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the structure is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
  • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered or blocked.
  • A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from any windows, doors and vent openings. To prevent CO poisoning, never use a gas generator inside your home, garage, carport, basement or crawlspace.
  • Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO. Use them outdoors only.
  • Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
  • When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
  • Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time. Anyone who suspects they are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately move to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1 or the fire department.

For more information on making your home fire-safe, download and print the State Fire Marshal’s home fire safety checklist.

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