The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is using the state’s annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day (September 18) to remind 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.
“Carbon monoxide is especially worrisome since it is colorless and odorless,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. “We encourage every Tennessean to be aware of the dangers carbon monoxide presents. Installing and maintaining a working carbon monoxide alarm could prevent tragedy from striking.”
In 2015, legislation was signed by Governor Bill Haslam declaring September 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 September 18, 2011, in Clarksville, Tennessee. 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.
Christine Watson, who lost her daughter and son-in-law to the tragedy on September 18, 2011, has a powerful testimonial warning others to the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Since the 2011 tragedy, progress has been made 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.
The SFMO offers the following tips to help Tennesseans reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
· Never use a gas generator inside your home, garage, carport basement, crawlspace or outside near a window, door or vent. A generator should only be used outdoors at least 15 feet away from buildings. It is dangerous to use a gas or kerosene heater inside a home or other building.
· Never use a gas range or gas oven to heat your home. Do not use a gas or charcoal grill indoors, and do not burn charcoal in your fireplace.
· Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.
· Do not use fuel-powered equipment in the garage.
· Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
· When using a fireplace, ensure the flue is open for adequate ventilation.
· Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and confusion. Many of these symptoms are similar to common colds or seasonal flu. Breathing high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness or even death.
· If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, turn off possible sources of the gas.
· Carbon monoxide detectors are important in protecting against CO poisoning, and are widely available at home and hardware stores. Carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning before the gas reaches a dangerous level.
· 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. Choose an alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory and always following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
· 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.
For more information and to download a free high-resolution calendar, visit tn.gov/fire.
