Franklin, TN – Carbon monoxide poisoning sent one person to the hospital Thursday. The injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

Franklin Firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activation at a residence Thursday afternoon and detected CO in the home. The home was evacuated and Atmos Energy was notified. Franklin Fire Captain Chris Brown said that the source of CO was potentially the ventless gas logs.

The carbon monoxide alarm that alerted the resident was installed by the Franklin Fire Department in 2008. It was one of 200 CO alarms that were donated to the department by the Kidde fire safety company that same year.

On average the Franklin Fire Department responds to about one carbon monoxide call per month, and around 12 fires per month, in addition to other incidents, according to Assistant Fire Chief Todd Horton.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year in America, more than 150 people die from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products. These products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces.

Protect Yourself and Your Family from CO Poisoning

• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms. Make sure the alarm has been evaluated by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Carbon monoxide alarms measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.
• Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at regular intervals.
• Never use your gas range or oven to help heat your home and never use a charcoal grill or hibachi in your home or garage.
• Never keep a car running in a garage. Even if the garage doors are open, normal circulation will not provide enough fresh air to reliably prevent a dangerous buildup of CO.
• When purchasing an existing home, have a qualified technician evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems, as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a carbon monoxide alarm in your home can save your life in the event of CO buildup.

If you have questions about CO or CO alarms, please contact the Franklin Fire Department at (615) 791-3270 or visit our website at www.franklintn.gov/fire.

NASHVILLE – It was recently reported by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency that two individuals succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper use of a generator. In the aftermath of recent tornadoes and with flooding predicted for more areas of the state, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds residents of the importance of taking precautions to stay safe from illness and injury. Thousands of Tennesseans lost electrical service to their homes and businesses due to severe weather, and many are still without power.

“We understand Tennesseans who have suffered storm damage and power outages are trying to restore some sense of normalcy in their homes, and may be using generators to power equipment and other household items,” said State Epidemiologist Tim F. Jones, M.D. “We aware of two Tennesseans who died accidentally, and we urge everyone to follow proper procedures for generators to prevent further injury and death.”

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning materials such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal or wood. The gas can build up inside your home, garage or camper and poison the people inside. Breathing carbon monoxide can cause nausea, dizziness or headaches. Severe poisoning can result in brain damage, heart damage or death. Seek medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.

Generators should only be used outside in a well-ventilated area, and individuals using them should follow all instructions for safe and proper use. Never use generators inside your home, basement, garage or camper, or even outside near an open window, door or vent. Outdoor grills and portable gas camp stoves also pose a risk of potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, and should not be used indoors for cooking.

To learn more about staying safe after a disaster and how to prepare your home and family for future emergencies, visit the CDC Web site at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/.

More information is also available on the TDOH website at http://bit.ly/jhIUZ8.