Title
To alert the general public to the hazards and dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and to urge the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units intended for human occupancy.
Body
WHEREAS, Carbon monoxide is often called the "Silent Killer" because you cannot see, smell or taste the poisonous gas, but it can be fatal in minutes; it does not discriminateÂ…everyone is at risk; and
WHEREAS, Carbon monoxide is produced by furnaces, common household appliances, vehicles, generators, fireplaces, and other systems that are powered by the burning of fuel that includes, but is not limited to, natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, and wood; and
WHEREAS, the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, sleepiness, lethargy, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, are very similar to flu symptoms, and as a result, many persons exposed to carbon monoxide are not alerted to the danger and therefore do not seek out the source of the deadly gas; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 89 percent of reported non-fire CO incidents occur in the home, according to the National Fire Protection Association; and only 27% of homes in the country have CO Alarms; and
WHEREAS, one should never leave a vehicle running idle in a garage or enclosed space because it can lead to a buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide fumes, which might also cause CO pollution to seep into the house causing serious injury or death; and
WHEREAS, the dangers associated with CO poisoning from idling vehicles are so significant, citizens should take additional precautions to ensure all exhaust pipes are free from blockage and to have their vehicle inspected to identify and prevent carbon monoxide leaks; and
WHEREAS, installation and use of a device designed to detect carbon monoxide and produces a distinct, audible sound; battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a device that is installed as recommended by standard 720 of the national fire protection association is the only safe way to detect CO, and to reduce injuries and fatalities related to carbon monoxide poisonings; and
WHEREAS, Safe Kids of Central Ohio, the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters, the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association and the Ohio State Firefighters' Association all agree that a Carbon Monoxide alarm in the home can give families a sufficient warning when concentrations of carbon monoxide reach dangerous levels; it is estimated that CO alarms may prevent half of such related deaths from occurring; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the members of this body urge the Ohio General Assembly to pass legislation which would require the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units intended for human occupancy that use fossil fuels for heating and other purposes.