November 2024: Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month

WHEREAS, each year, in the U.S., carbon monoxide (CO) causes more than 95,000 CO poisoning according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).; and,

WHEREAS, CO Detectors should be considered life safety devices, not injury prevention devices; and,

WHEREAS, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas known as the "Invisible Killer," requiring an electronic sensor to detect; and,

WHEREAS, the most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, and high levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and even death; and,

WHEREAS, 70% of CO poisonings happen in the home, but only 14% of families in the U.S. have properly functioning CO detectors installed in their homes; and,

WHEREAS, CO poisoning is also caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels including oil, propane, natural gas, wood, coals, kerosene, gasoline, and diesel; and,

WHEREAS, CO is produced at harmful levels by the improper operation and ventilation of all fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, ovens, fireplaces, generators, portable heaters, charcoal grills, boats and vehicles; and,

WHEREAS, unintentional CO poisoning can occur almost anywhere – in homes, businesses, tailgating, RVs, cabins; and,

WHEREAS, the best ways to protect against this invisible killer are to install carbon monoxide detectors with audible alarms, keep furnaces and other appliances in proper working order through annual inspections and tune-ups, and follow all manufacturers’ operating directions; and,

WHEREAS, CO poisoning can also occur when generators are improperly used, this equipment, as well as vehicles, power lawn equipment, and snow blowers, should be operated when there is adequate ventilation and never in enclosed spaces; and generators must be located outside at least 25 feet away from your home; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan residents can reduce the risk of CO poisoning by following these simple steps:

• Install a CO detector near your bedroom and sleeping areas and have one on each level of your home.
• Test the CO detector each month.
• Replace your CO Detector every 5 years, based on your monthly CO test.
• Never run or warm up your car inside the garage.
• If you suspect you have been exposed to CO, leave the area immediately and then call your local fire department or utility company; and,

WHEREAS, awareness of CO safety in Michigan is a top priority, and LARA Director Marlon Brown, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, and MI Prevention want to educate residents on the importance of this poisonous gas and ensure homes, workplaces, equipment, and appliances are equipped and maintained to protect themselves and loved ones against possible poisoning. We encourage you to visit www.miprevention.org, CPSC.gov, or NCOAA.us to learn more about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Month in Michigan.