MEBANE, N.C., Sept. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pets are
popular in North America, with a
large percentage of households (64% in the U.S., and 58% in
Canada) having at least one cat or
dog. Like their human family, pets are vulnerable to the toxic
effects of carbon monoxide (CO), yet a majority of pet owners are
unaware of the symptoms of CO poisoning in their four-legged family
members. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation
(NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of innovative heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire,
security and building automation technologies.
Just like any other member of the family, pets are susceptible
to CO poisoning. However, according to a new survey commissioned by
Kidde and conducted online by The Harris Poll among over 1,300 U.S.
pet owners and over 500 Canadian pet owners, 53% of American and
61% of Canadian pet owners are not confident they could identify
the symptoms of CO poisoning in their pets. Further, 36% of pet
owners in both the U.S. and Canada
do not have or do not know if they have a CO alarm in their
home.
Moved by this data, Kidde has recognized Sept. 17 as the first-ever National Pet Carbon
Monoxide (CO) Safety Day to raise awareness about the dangers of
this colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, which can prove fatal
to people and pets. As part of Carrier's Healthy Homes
Program, Kidde is sharing important advice on how to help protect
the people and pets in your home:
- Install CO alarms throughout the home. CO can travel
anywhere in the home – even through drywall – so most often, one
alarm is not enough. It's best to install CO alarms throughout the
entire home with at least one on every level, and consider
including in living areas, bedrooms and hallways outside sleeping
areas.
- Know the signs. Common signs of CO poisoning in pets
include nausea/vomiting, dizziness or labored breathing, among
others. If your alarm sounds or you suspect CO in your home, leave
your home immediately and call 911.
- Replace alarms after 7-10 years, depending on the model.
While testing alarms once a week and ensuring batteries are
replaced are critical steps, replacing every alarm at a minimum of
7-10 years is paramount. In case you cannot remember the date you
installed your alarms, simply check the manufacturing date –
commonly located on the back of the alarm – and add 7-10 years,
depending on the model. Please check your manufacturer user
guide.
- Regularly inspect appliances. CO sources include natural
gas, kerosene, propane, coal and gasoline. Have appliances checked
regularly to ensure they're properly installed and not
malfunctioning. Also, never use generators or grills indoors, or
run any fuel-burning appliances in an enclosed garage (even with
the door open.)
Additional findings of this survey revealed an opportunity to
continue educating U.S. and Canadian pet owners about the dangers
of CO:
- 79% (U.S.) and 71% (Canadian) do not know smoke and CO alarms
should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the
model.
- Only 6% (U.S.) and only 4% (Canadian) test their smoke alarms
the recommended amount of once a week or more often.
"These poll findings shine a light on the need for more
education and awareness around the dangers of CO in our homes – for
both people and pets," said Brad
Nohr, managing director, Kidde. "National Pet Carbon
Monoxide Safety Day highlights how people can recognize the
symptoms of CO poisoning in their pets and how they can use CO
alarms to help keep the entire family safe. To help protect your
family, ensure that working CO alarms are installed throughout your
home."
For more than 100 years, Kidde has been a leading manufacturer
of residential smoke alarms, CO alarms and fire extinguishers. In
addition to delivering advanced fire safety technology, Kidde
strives to keep communities safe through educational initiatives,
community donations and awareness campaigns. On National Pet Carbon
Monoxide Safety Day – and every day – Kidde stands firmly as an
advocate for lifesaving fire safety education and prevention.
For more information, visit kidde.com/pet-safety.
About Kidde
Kidde, a leading manufacturer of
residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire
extinguishers, and safety accessories, has been keeping the world a
safer place for over 100 years. Kidde produced the first integrated
smoke detection system a century ago and continues its legacy today
by delivering advanced fire-safety technology. Kidde is a part of
Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of innovative
HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation
technologies. For more information, visit kidde.com or follow
@KiddeSafety, and on Facebook and Instagram.
Survey Method
The U.S. survey was conducted online by
The Harris Poll on behalf of Kidde from August 6-10, 2020 among
2,051 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,367 are
pet owners (i.e., own a cat and/or dog). The Canada survey was conducted online by The
Harris Poll on behalf of Kidde from August
14-17, 2020 among 1,004 Canadian adults ages 18 and older,
among whom 538 are pet owners (i.e., own a cat and/or dog). These
online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore
no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For
complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and
subgroup sample sizes, please contact Sharon Cooksey at
sharon.cooksey@carrier.com.
Contact:
Sharon Cooksey
919-612-0583
sharon.cooksey@carrier.com
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SOURCE Kidde