News Flash

DURHAM, N.C. – Winter is well underway with more cold weather to come, which means that many Durham residents are cranking up their heaters to stay warm. With greater heater usage comes the need for working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and thanks to a donation from Eno Animal Hospital, more Bull City families and their fur babies will be safe this winter season.

On Monday, February 17 beginning at 9 a.m. at Durham Fire Station #9, located at 1648 Midland Terrace, the department will receive 30 carbon monoxide alarms donated by Dr. Sabrina Grinstead, owner of the Eno Animal Hospital.

The donation will allow the department to install more CO alarms at no charge to city residents who cannot afford to purchase one. Over the coming year, the CO alarms will be installed into owner-occupied homes at the request of home owners as well as during the department’s ‘Safety in Our City’ canvassing events.

During this event, residents and kids of all ages will also meet Jethro the Fire Dog, who will demonstrate how to respond correctly to a CO alarm. This is the second time Jethro has visited with his owner and trainer, Durham Fire Battalion Chief Tina Hamlin. Jethro also demonstrated the proper use of rescue oxygen masks for animals last summer at a prior donation from the Eno Animal Hospital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CO poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in people in the United States. It is estimated that unintentional, non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning is the cause for over 15,000 emergency department visits and 500 deaths every year in the U.S.

Similar statistics are not available regarding how many pets are affected each year, but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA) estimates that over one-third of U.S. households have either a dog or a cat, which would also be affected by CO poisoning since animals are more susceptible due to their smaller size. Symptoms of CO poisoning for people and pets are weakness, sudden vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

For on-site news media assistance at Monday’s event, contact Captain Carol Reardon at (919) 697-5520.

Photo Caption:

Durham Fire Battalion Chief Tina Hamlin with Jethro the Fire Dog. Durham residents are invited to celebrate the gift of CO alarms from the Eno Animal Hospital and meet Jethro, who will demonstrate how to respond to a CO alarm. The event will take place at Durham Fire Station #9, located at 1648 Midland Terrace, on Monday, February 17 beginning at 9 a.m.

About the City of Durham Fire Department

The Durham Fire Department strives to enhance the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Durham by minimizing the harmful effects of fires, medical emergencies, and other types of dangerous events. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department helps create a safer community by conducting fire and life safety education programs;  providing emergency responses to fires, medical calls, hazardous materials spills, technical rescue calls, and water rescue calls; explaining and enforcing the fire code; investigating arson and the cause of other fires; and maintaining readiness through constant training and maintenance of facilities and equipment. To learn more follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.