September 18 Marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day in Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are reminding residents to check their carbon monoxide detectors and review safety practices as the state recognizes Carbon Monoxide Awareness Day on Thursday, September 18. Carbon monoxide (CO), often called the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuels burn incompletely in appliances such as heaters, fireplaces, grills, or generators. Breathing high levels can cause dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, or even death. The observance was created in 2015 to honor five people who died in Clarksville on September 18, 2011, after carbon monoxide fumes from a generator seeped into their RV. Their carbon monoxide detector was later found to have no batteries. Officials urge Tennesseans never to run generators indoors or near windows or doors, avoid using gas ovens, grills, or kerosene heaters inside homes, and have heating equipment and chimneys inspected annually. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home or RV. If an alarm sounds, residents should immediately go outside or to a fresh-air location, call for help, and stay outside until emergency crews arrive.