The N.H. State Fire Marshal’s Office announced this week a new education and free alarm distribution initiative aimed at reducing carbon monoxide deaths. The announcement comes after a family from Massachusetts died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a residence in Wakefield, N.H., on Christmas Day, but was in the works beforehand, according to a N.H. Department of Safety spokesperson.

Grant funding from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Program enabled the state to purchase more than 2,000 CO alarms to distribute at no cost to schools and families, a news release from the fire marshal’s office said.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas with no taste or smell. It’s produced when fuel is burned, such as in vehicles, small engines, stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges and furnaces. Symptoms of CO poisoning, which can result in death, include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion.

Authorities believe CO poisoning killed four people at a home on Province Lake Road in Wakefield on Dec. 25 after a propane gas heating system malfunctioned, a news release Wednesday said.

In that release, State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey encouraged Granite Staters to ensure they have functional CO alarms in their homes.

Some of the alarms funded by the grant will be installed during N.H. Department of Safety visits to more than 600 schools, where state employees will install alarms, according to the release.

“Knowing that carbon monoxide detectors can save lives, this program is a tremendous resource for New Hampshire schools as they strive to create safe and healthy classroom environments where children can learn and thrive,” said Frank Edelblut, N.H. Department of Education commissioner, in a statement.

A Department of Safety spokesperson said the list of schools is still in the works as the department assesses needs and schedules visits across the state.

The remaining alarms will be distributed by the American Red Cross, which will install them as part of the organization’s Home Fire Campaign. The campaign offers free fire alarms and educates homeowners about fire and CO safety.

“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office to install free carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms for residents across the state,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Northern New England, in a statement. “Protecting families from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires is a critical step in making our communities safer. Together, we’re not just installing alarms — we’re saving lives.”

People can visit the Red Cross website to sign up for a free alarm or call 1-800-464-6692.

These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org.