Pratt Industries Donates 100 Carbon Monoxide Alarms to Valparaiso Fire Department

Pratt Industries’ Mill Division in Valparaiso has donated 100 carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to the Valparaiso Fire Department (VFD) to support fire safety efforts and protect residents throughout the community. 

“We appreciate our partnership with the Valparaiso Fire Department and their commitment to keeping our workplace and our community safe,” said Travis Horsch, General Manager of the Pratt Industries Valparaiso plant. “We rely on VFD every day, and this donation is one way we can show our gratitude while helping them continue their life-saving work.” 

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly without warning. It is produced by many common household items, including gas- and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion — often described as flu-like. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not related to fires, more than 100,000 people visit emergency departments, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. 

The donated alarms will be distributed through the Valparaiso Fire Department’s Out to Alarm Valpo program, which was created by Fire Chief Chad Dutz to ensure residents have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Through the program, VFD provides and installs smoke and CO alarms free of charge for any resident within the City of Valparaiso or Center Township during home safety visits. These visits also include recommendations on fire safety, fall prevention, cooking safety and child safety. 

Residents interested in scheduling a free home safety visit can sign up at ValparaisoFire.org by clicking “Request Smoke Alarm.”