Those in the Syracuse area can protect themselves and their families against the dangers of carbon monoxide by swinging by Turkey Creek Township Fire Department’s station one or two, where firefighters are distributing free carbon monoxide detectors.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website, www.cpsc.gov, “About 170 people in the United States die every year from carbon monoxide, aka CO, produced by non-automotive consumer products.” Since CO is a colorless and odorless gas, having a detector in a dwelling is vital.

“We are trying to get them into everyone’s home,” Turkey Creek Township Fire Chief Mickey Scott said, noting they started with 150 detectors and so far have handed out five. “If need be, we will get more.”

The detectors were donated by First Alert — a company that makes not only carbon monoxide detectors, but smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and other safety products — after the company heard about Skyler Spore, a Syracuse boy who’s death was caused by CO poisoning in June.

“(First Alert) contacted us from Chicago after they heard what happened,” said Scott. “They shipped (the detectors) here and now we’re passing them out.”

Scott noted all people have to do is pick them up at station one or two, or contact the department to let them know when they plan to stop by. “We are trying to get them out,” Scott said, noting that quite a few people do not have them in their homes.

CO can be produced by malfunction fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment like portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes or enclosed spaces. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website notes symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.

If you experience symptoms of CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately. The website also recommends leaving the home and calling your fire department to report your symptoms from a neighbor’s home. Additionally, individuals should speak with their doctor and tell them that CO poisoning is suspected. Never ignore an CO detector that is alerting.

For information, contact station one at 574-457-4100 or station two at 574-457-5507.