NASHVILLE – Each year, Tennessee marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day on September 18. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) use this day to disseminate crucial safety messages about carbon monoxide (CO), often referred to as the “silent killer.”
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, and gasoline burn incompletely. Common household items like heaters and gas-powered generators are potential CO sources. Outdoors, generators are frequently used by campers and RV owners. Following severe weather, these generators are often used to power homes and businesses when electrical systems are compromised.
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Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to severe health risks, including loss of consciousness and death. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and confusion—symptoms that are easily confused with those of common colds or seasonal flu.
According to TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence, “Exposure to carbon monoxide can pose a serious health hazard to anyone, no matter the person or the level of exposure. On Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day, I remind Tennesseans to renew their commitment to home safety by being aware of the risks that are posed by carbon monoxide and by testing their carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.”
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day was first recognized in 2015 when the Tennessee General Assembly approved legislation declaring September 18 as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day. This day was chosen in remembrance of five friends who tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning on September 18, 2011, in Clarksville. Jon and Kathryn Over, Jim Wall, Tim Stone, and Allison Bagwell-Wyatt lost their lives when carbon monoxide fumes from a generator seeped into their rented RV during a children’s charity fundraiser. The RV’s carbon monoxide detector was later found to have no batteries.
Christine Watson, who lost her daughter and son-in-law in the tragedy, collaborated with the State Fire Marshal’s Office to create a powerful testimonial warning others about the dangers of carbon monoxide.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, Tennesseans should follow these safety tips:
– Never use a gas generator inside your home, garage, carport, basement, or near a window, door, or vent. Generators should only be used outdoors and at least 15 feet away from buildings.
– Do not use a gas range, gas oven, or gas or charcoal grill to heat your home.
– Avoid running vehicles or other fueled engines indoors, even with the garage doors open.
– Do not use fuel-powered equipment in enclosed areas.
– Have fuel-burning equipment and chimneys inspected annually by professionals.
– Ensure the flue is open when using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
– If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, turn off possible sources of the gas immediately.
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential in providing early warnings. These alarms should be installed in central locations outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home or RV. For optimal protection, interconnect all alarms. Choose alarms labeled by recognized testing laboratories and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move to a fresh air location outside or by an open window or door, account for everyone inside, and call for help from the fresh air location. Stay there until emergency personnel arrive.
Source: Read Original Release
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