(StatePoint) Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a dangerous, sometimes deadly threat, often impacting people in places where they sleep, such as at home or in hotels, motels and vacation rentals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.
When it comes to carbon monoxide and fire safety, state and local regulations can vary widely, making it especially crucial to protect yourself when you’re away from home. Kidde, North America’s number one fire safety brand (based on total household installations as of December 2023), is sharing some important insights and tips for safer summer travels.
It’s important to take routine measures to help protect your home from fire and CO while you are away, such as by monitoring your home safety devices via an app. You should also consider addressing the same safety risks at your destination.
Only 14 states nationwide currently require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and motels, and there is no federal law requiring hotels to install carbon monoxide detectors in every guest room, reports “Electrical Contractor Magazine.” This could leave you vulnerable to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when traveling. While regulations are stricter for smoke alarms, inconsistent enforcement means they aren’t always reliable. That’s why it’s essential to add both fire and CO safety to your travel prep routine.
As the industry leader in fire and CO safety, Kidde is committed to educating the public and helping reduce the risk of CO and fire-related incidents at home and during travel. Destination Safety, the brand’s education-first initiative designed to empower travelers to take control of their safety, includes this Travel Safety Checklist:
1) Pack a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm for use at your destination and test it upon arrival.
2) Test existing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties.
3) Ask important safety-related questions, such as the location of your room in relation to emergency exits and the number and placement of detectors in and around the space.
In addition to providing educational resources and advocating for stronger safety regulations for homes and hospitality, Kidde will be donating to local communities where CO regulations are not yet in place. These efforts aim to raise awareness, increase access to lifesaving carbon monoxide products, and help safeguard these vulnerable communities.
Addressing gaps in CO safety regulations across the travel and hospitality industries will require collaboration and advocacy from organizations nationwide. Through education, innovative product solutions, and continued support for stronger CO alarm regulations in hotels, motels and vacation rentals, Kidde remains dedicated to driving meaningful change. To learn more about Kidde’s fire and CO safety resources, visit Kidde.com/safety-hub and follow @KiddeFireSafety on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Whether you’re traveling with family on vacation or with colleagues on a business trip, the absence of comprehensive industry regulation could present a safety gap at your destination for you and those you’re traveling with. Fortunately, you can be proactive about CO and fire safety this summer travel season.
