The Kentucky Department for Public Health is warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during these winter months.
Carbon monoxide poisoning sends over 200 people per year to the emergency room in the commonwealth, according to data from the Kentucky’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program. Data from the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program tells us that an average of 17 Kentuckians die every year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning.
Officials say these deaths and trips to the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning are preventable when people are prepared.
Rebecca Gillis with the Department of Public Health is quoted in a news release as saying, “Carbon monoxide poisonings are more likely during colder weather, so it is very important that Kentucky residents make sure their heating sources and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.”
Health officials say be sure your home’s smoke detector has a good battery and that it’s in good working order. Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually. Hire a professional to make sure it is functionally sound and vents properly outside the home.
Generators should be run at a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator in the home or garage, or right next to windows or doors.
Since 2011, Kentucky law has required carbon monoxide detectors in newly constructed one and two-family dwellings, townhomes less than three stories, apartment buildings, dormitories, adult/child care facilities and assisted living facilities which contain a fuel-burning-appliance or an attached garage.