Local News

State Fire Marshal’s Office announces carbon monoxide grant 

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey is pleased to announce the launch of a project focused on reducing unnecessary carbon monoxide (CO) deaths in the state through public education and free installation of alarms in schools and homes. 

The purchase of more than 2,000 CO alarms was made possible through grant funding provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Grant Program. 

“Keeping families and children safe is our top priority in New Hampshire, and I am proud to see our state agencies and nonprofit partners working to save lives and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Gov. Kelly Ayotte. 

“We are determined to reduce incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning and bring unnecessary CO deaths down to zero,” Marshal Toomey explained. “We want residents and visitors to be aware of CO poisoning risks and to be able to recognize carbon monoxide sources. This two-year project will help us work toward that goal.” 

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office is collaborating with New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management, another division of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, and the New Hampshire Department of Education to contact every school district to arrange visits to more than 600 schools in the state. In a recent survey, 75% of responding schools shared they did not have carbon monoxide alarms. State employees will install alarms at schools and share resources with families. 

“Knowing that carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, this program is a tremendous resource for New Hampshire schools as they strive to create safe and healthy classroom environments where children can learn and thrive,” said New Hampshire Department of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut. 

A portion of the alarms purchased with this grant will go to the American Red Cross. The organization will incorporate the installation of compliant CO alarms into its Home Fire Campaign, an initiative aimed at reducing home fire-related deaths by installing free alarms in homes that need them and educating homeowners about home fire and carbon monoxide safety. 

“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office to install free carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms for residents across the state,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Northern New England. “Protecting families from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires is a critical step in making our communities safer. Together, we’re not just installing alarms — we’re saving lives. Anyone who would like to sign up for a free smoke alarm with the Red Cross can do so on their website.” 

Carbon monoxide is an invisible danger: It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, making it impossible to detect without an alarm or detector. Infants, elderly, unborn babies, and people with anemia or a history of heart or respiratory diseases can be especially susceptible. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. 

“Do not ignore symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them,” Marshal Toomey warned. “If someone suspects CO poisoning, they should immediately get outside to fresh air, then call 911.”  

Assistance may be available to anyone struggling with heating costs through the New Hampshire Department of Energy at 603-271-3670 or energy.nh.gov. Additional information about carbon monoxide, fire safety and prevention strategies is available on the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s website.