TO: Local News Media

FROM: Chief Taylor

DATE: 10-15-2019

SUBJECT: Carbon Monoxide Safety

With fall weather finally kicking in and cooler weather in place, we know people will be turning on their heating systems for the first time this season. We want to remind everyone to be aware of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Fire departments nationwide respond to an estimated 80,100 CO incidents in which CO was found. That is an average of nine calls per hour. Locally, we have responded to 51 natural gas or propane gas calls this year. This year alone, Campbellsville Fire Rescue has responded to 6 emergency calls with dangerous levels of CO inside the residence.

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. Please see the attached Carbon Monoxide Safety flyer issued by the National Fire Protection Association.

Prevention is key! We highly recommend the purchase of a Carbon Monoxide detector. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Campbellsville Fire Rescue at 270-465-4131 or visit us at www.campbellsvillefire.com and check out Carbon Monoxide tab.