The Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office attended the 21st annual “Operation Save-A-Life” campaign, a life-saving public safety initiative sponsored by WTVD ABC 11, Kidde, and Home Depot. The event aims to at equip local communities with essential smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to prevent fire-related tragedies and protect residents from the silent threat of monoxide poisoning.

As part of this year's event, the Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office received a generous supply of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which will be distributed throughout Harnett County to help keep residents safe.

Carbon monoxide, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a colorless, odorless gas produced by malfunctioning or improperly installed fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and generators. Without a carbon monoxide alarm, exposure to high levels of CO can cause severe illness or even death. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Without proper intervention, it can quickly become life-threatening.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents to take the following steps:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Test alarms regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Have heating systems and fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a licensed professional.
• Never run generators or grills indoors or in enclosed spaces, including garages.

The Operation Save-A-Life Campaign highlights the importance of having smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every home to protect lives. These life-saving devices offer early warnings that provide families with the time needed to evacuate safely in the event of a emergency.

“We are grateful for the support from WTVD 11, Kidde, and Home Depot,” said Rodney Daniels, Harnett County Fire Marshal. “These donated alarms will be distributed to homes across the county, prioritizing those with fuel-burning appliances that lack working carbon monoxide alarms.”

For more information about fire and carbon monoxide safety please visit www.harnett.org/fire. To request a smoke or CO alarm, visit Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation Request Form or contact the Harnett County Fire Marshal’s Office at (910) 893-0746.