CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office has received grant funding to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) deaths in the state.

With funding from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner’s Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Grant Program, Fire Marshal Sean Toomey says the state purchased more than 2,000 CO alarms.

The state’s initiative comes after a family of four was found dead of CO poisoning inside of a home in Wakefield, New Hampshire on Christmas day.

Toomey’s office is collaborating with New Hampshire Homeland security and Emergency Management, along with the New Hampshire Department of Education to contact every school district and arrange visits with more than 600 schools statewide, after a survey showed that 75% of schools that responded said they do not have carbon monoxide alarms.

State employees will install alarms at those schools and provide resources to families. A news release didn’t name any of the schools.

“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,” New Hampshire Department of Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said.

A portion of the CO alarms purchased with the grant will go to the American Red Cross to be incorporated into its Home Fire Campaign, which aims to reduce home fire-related deaths. The organization will install the alarms for free in homes that need them and educate 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,” Stephanie Couturier, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the Red Cross of Northern New England said. “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.

“The best way to protect your family from the effects of carbon monoxide is to have proper detection within the building,” Keene Deputy Fire Chief Gregory Seymour said in an email in December. “National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, outside of sleeping areas or inside bedrooms if there is a fuel burning appliance within the room, near attached garages, and anywhere else that the manufacturer recommends.”

Carbon monoxide incidents are more prominent in the winter, according to Seymour, because buildings are closed up and able to trap CO gasses more readily.

“Carbon Monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The only way to detect carbon monoxide gas is with a carbon monoxide detector or gas meter carried by the fire department,” Seymour said in an email in December. “If the detectors sound, you have to trust that they are real emergencies. Please call 911 immediately and evacuate the home.”

Seymour said early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of moderate exposure include chest pain, dizziness/weakness, fainting, mental confusion, severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Seymour also noted that children, the elderly, and those with heart conditions or respiratory problems are more prone to symptoms.

“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.”

Seymour also noted that you should resist the urge to open windows and doors to ventilate the home, as leaving it closed up gives the fire department the best chance to quickly determine the cause of the CO leak and render the home safe.

Those struggling to heat their homes may be eligible for assistance through the New Hampshire Department of Energy. More information about that is available on the department’s website, or by calling 603-271-3670. Locally, Southwestern Community Services offers an Energy Assistance program as well.