The Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company will distribute free carbon monoxide detectors to seniors 65 and over as part of its ongoing Fire Safety Education Program.
Battery-operated detectors will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 10 in the Brush Creek Room at the Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road.
To receive a free smoke detector, a person must be a Township resident 65 years or older who owns their own home. Proper ID is required, and there is a one detector per household limit while supplies last.
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning death in the United States and is known as “The Silent Killer” due to its lack of color, odor and visibility.
Each year, 480 people die due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 15,000 seek medical attention due to exposure. Symptoms include dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, fatigue, nausea and shortness of breath.
Seniors are among the most vulnerable and comprise 8.5 percent of the Township’s population.