Thursday, December 11, 2025

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. - December 8, 2025 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- Supporting the recognition of November 2025 as ‘‘Carbon Monoxide Action and Awareness Month’’ and promoting nationwide education, prevention, and detection efforts to protect United States families from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Whereas carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious poisoning incidents resulting in hundreds of deaths, over 100,000 emergency medical care visits, and approximately 14,000 hospitalizations each year;

Whereas more than 400 United States citizens die annually from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning and as many as 30 to 40 percent of victims die before reaching he hospital;

Whereas an estimated 76 percent of carbon monoxide poisoning cases occur in residential settings, demonstrating that the greatest risk exists in everyday home environments;

Whereas approximately 86,200,000 United States citizens, or 36 percent of adults, have no carbon monoxide detection or alarm system in their homes, leaving millions of families unprotected from a preventable danger;

Whereas environmental exposures in the home, including toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, are known drivers of chronic disease, particularly among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised populations;

Whereas it is important to use carbon monoxide detectors that have been tested and certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory in order to verify compliance with UL standards;

Whereas certification is critical to help United States citizens recognize that these devices meet the standard safety and performance requirements;

Whereas national health initiatives have identified healthy homes as a critical component of preventive healthcare, calling for improved public awareness, strengthened safety standards, and greater coordination between public agencies and private partners to address indoor environmental risks;

Whereas carbon monoxide poisoning poses a significant risk after hurricanes due to improper use of gasoline powered generators and those poisonings could be prevented by carbon monoxide alarms and by placing gas generators more than 20 feet from indoor structures;

Whereas carbon monoxide poisoning imposes a significant economic burden, costing the United States more than $1,300,000,000 annually in hospital expenses, emergency response, and lost productivity; and

Whereas public education, routine appliance maintenance, and the widespread installation of certified carbon monoxide alarms are proven, cost-effective methods for preventing carbon monoxide injuries and deaths: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—supports the recognition ‘‘Carbon Monoxide Action and Awareness Month’’; encourages Federal, State, and local agencies to collaborate with public health organizations, safety advocates, and first responders to expand awareness and prevention efforts nationwide; urges all United States citizens to install and maintain certified carbon monoxide alarms, to test them regularly, and to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning; supports continued public and private partnerships that raise awareness of carbon monoxide hazards and promote healthy home environments; and commends first responders, medical professionals, and community educators for their ongoing commitment to saving lives through carbon monoxide prevention and education.

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Washington, D.C. - May 3, 2025 - (Stuff Gazette) -- U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), co-chairs of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month” to promote safe driving practices for the millions of motorcycle riders in America.

“From delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends, some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles,” said Senator Ernst. “As the weather warms up and folks hit the road, I’m excited to share my love of riding while highlighting safety and rider education this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”

“I firmly believe there is no better way to see the beauty of our state than on a motorcycle and keeping our roadways safe for both riders and drivers is extremely important to me,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to once again introduce this resolution recognizing the millions of riders in Michigan and across our country and encouraging everyone to use best practices that will keep folks safe on our roads.”

U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI, 7th) is leading the resolution in the House of Representatives.

"Across the country, and in Michigan, we have a passionate riding community, which I am proudly a member of," said Rep. Walberg. "The start of spring means a growing number of riders in Michigan are enjoying the open road and the benefits motorcycles bring. However, in 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 6,335 motorcycle fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to enhance motorcycle awareness and safety. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution serves as an important opportunity to encourage all road users to share the road, stay aware, and drive smart."

Read the resolution here.