CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center, today announced a new community education initiative aimed at helping Aroostook residents prevent and detect carbon monoxide poisoning. Through a grant provided by State Farm, and partnerships with the American Red Cross and local fire departments, this program will provide education and resources on the dangers of carbon monoxide as well as home fire safety planning.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced by burning any type of fuel — gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, but can be deadly. The only safe way to detect unsafe levels of carbon monoxide is with a detector.
Aroostook County has the lowest rate of CO detectors installed in homes and the highest rate of carbon monoxide poisoning hospitalizations in the state of Maine (source: Maine tracking network). One goal of this program is to install 200 carbon monoxide detectors to households that do not have working detectors.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with State Farm Insurance, the American Red Cross and other community organizations to provide this important education opportunity,” said Cary Medical Center CEO Kris Doody, RN. “These opportunities allow us to connect with the community and provide resources that help residents take an active role in their health and safety.”
The carbon monoxide training will be held in six communities across the county over the next year. Qualifying participants will be able to sign up to have carbon monoxide and/or smoke detectors installed in their homes by a fire safety professional.
This program is a continuation of the home fire safety training that was presented across the county last year. The program was successful in providing life-saving fire preparedness and planning information to more than 100 people. The program also provided fire escape ladders and installation training to more than 90 households.
