CHESTER, VA (Rocktown Now) – November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and today, Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc., through the NiSource Charitable Foundation and in partnership with the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, is announcing the donation of nearly 600 carbon monoxide alarms to 15 fire and emergency departments across Virginia.

To receive the alarms, the departments had to meet these requirements:

  • Apply to the 2026 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Distribution program;
  • Assist any qualifying individuals who received the alarms with installation of the detectors;
  • Provide resident safety education on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure; and
  • Provide information on proper alarm monthly testing and ongoing maintenance procedures, and immediate life-safety emergency protocol such as leaving the structure and calling 911 upon alarm activation.

“The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Distribution program will help protect individuals and families in Virginia,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “We’re so proud to collaborate with the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association on raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and working together to build safer, stronger communities in the Commonwealth.”

The local departments receiving the alarms include the Harrisonburg Fire Department and Staunton Fire and Rescue Department.

Staunton Fire receives carbon monoxide alarms.

Other departments include Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services; Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services; Lynchburg Fire Department; King and Queen County Department of Emergency Services; Warren County Fire and Rescue; Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department; Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department; Shenandoah Combined Fire and Rescue; Charles City County Department of Fire and Emergency Services; Monelison Volunteer Fire Department; Colonial Heights Fire and EMS; Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department; and Newport News Fire Department.