Carbon monoxide detectors – A must for every home

The tragic deaths on March 13 of Frank and Marlene Turk and their canine companion, Jenny, amplify the imperative that every home be equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In the case of deaf and hard of hearing people, these devices must be multisensory. According to Dr. Turk’s son, Frank Turk Jr., the Turks’ home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota did have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but these devices did not have visual (strobe) signals built in.

Just as importantly, there is an acute need for automobile manufacturers to provide automatic shutoff mechanisms for vehicles with keyless ignitions.

AnnMarie Killian is chief executive officer of TDIforAccess (TDI), an organization that “serves as a national leader in policy, advocacy, education, and innovation to foster full accessibility, equity, and inclusion in information and communications technology (ICT).” While many associate TDI with telecommunications, its work extends across digital accessibility, emergency preparedness, and policy initiatives that impact the daily lives of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and hard of hearing individuals. Through partnerships, technology solutions, and regulatory engagement, TDI works to advance policies and innovations that remove barriers and create a more inclusive digital world.

Killian posted on social media last week: “I generally do not post anything personal, but I cannot stay silent. Today, our community mourns the loss of a distinguished legend – one who touched and impacted so many lives. I learned of Frank Turk’s passing, along with his wife Marlene and their devoted dog Jenny, and my mind has not been able to rest. This wasn’t just a loss – it was a preventable tragedy. Their tragic passing was the result of carbon monoxide poisoning – a silent and deadly consequence of a keyless car being left running.”

“Frank played a key role in shaping who I am today. At 15, I was searching for my place in the world. Few people truly influenced my path, but Frank was one of them. His guidance left a lasting impact, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Killian continued, “Keyless cars have introduced a serious safety risk that affects everyone – Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard of hearing, and hearing alike. Without the need to physically turn a key, it’s all too easy to forget a car is still running. The result? Fatal carbon monoxide poisoning – especially with the cars being so quiet these days to the point that there is no vibration to indicate that the engine is still running.”

“This is not an isolated incident in our community. And yet, the industry has failed to act. This is a call to action for automakers, policymakers, and safety organizations to implement real solutions. The risks of keyless cars are well-documented, but safety measures remain optional rather than standard. It’s time for:

• Automatic engine shutoff systems to prevent cars from running indefinitely.
• Stronger, multi-sensory alerts beyond sound to ensure awareness for all.
• Greater public awareness and education to prevent these tragedies.”

“No one should lose their life because of a design flaw that fails to account for all users. How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?”

Killian concludes, “Thank you, Frank, for all you did to uplift and empower so many. Your legacy and impact will continue to inspire us all.”

Sherri Lambert Collins, ’88, is the newly appointed executive director of Deaf Seniors of America. She wrote on social media, “A tragic incident has struck our community as a well-known deaf senior couple and their dog passed away in their home from carbon monoxide poisoning, stemming from their car left running in the garage. This heartbreaking news is circulating swiftly, shedding light on a crucial matter.”

“The accessibility and affordability of life-saving technology come into sharp focus. While standard fire and carbon monoxide detectors are easily attainable for hearing individuals at under $30, the cost for visual alert devices skyrockets to around $700 for us.”

“This glaring inequality emphasizes the pressing need to champion accessible technology at a fair cost. The recent events serve as a poignant reminder of the dire consequences when essential safety tools remain out of reach.”

“Let’s engage in dialogue on advocating for change and ensuring that affordable, life-saving technology is within reach for our community.”

Dr. Christian Vogler, a professor in the Information Technology program in the School of Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health and director of Gallaudet’s renowned Technology Access Program, is in full agreement with Killian and Collins. He stated that he owns a plug-in hybrid vehicle and has left it running more times than he cares to remember. Fortunately, plug-in hybrids will lose their electric charge.

While TAP is not currently involved in any research on emergency alerting systems for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Vogler says, “The cost of visual alerting is also a huge problem – plus you need to hardwire them. That shouldn’t be necessary anymore with LEDs. It’s a racket.”

Joe Duarte is the co-chief executive officer of InnoCaption, a company that provides mobile-based captioned telephone service for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Previously, he founded and led Duartek, a company specializing in custom audiovisual design and engineering to enhance sound and communication accessibility for people with hearing loss. Duartek also custom-designed and installed home accessibility systems, ensuring that homes were equipped with the necessary technology to support independent living for individuals with hearing loss. 

With his deep expertise in assistive technology, Duarte emphasizes the importance of universal design principles in home safety devices. He believes that all safety solutions should be designed to be inherently accessible to everyone, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, without requiring additional modifications. 

Beyond design, Duarte highlights the need for greater public awareness and education so that people understand the availability of accessible options, such as visual alerts with strobe notifications for those who cannot hear alarms. “Home safety devices should be inclusive from the start, not an afterthought,” he stresses. 

Duarte also calls out the automobile industry for neglecting deaf and hard of hearing drivers. He points to the lack of visual or sensory alerts in cars, which rely heavily on beeps. Features like auto shutoff should have been standard long ago, he says. “Car manufacturers must stop designing as if all drivers can hear,” he stresses, urging the industry to prioritize accessibility.

Consumer Reports, in its latest review of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, notes that “More than 400 Americans die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – and every one of these deaths is preventable.”

It is hoped that the information in this article will spur action to make essential safety devices more accessible, both technologically and cost-wise, and to mandate at the federal level automatic shutoff devices for keyless ignitions. 

What is carbon monoxide poisoning?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that has no odor, taste, or color. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood. When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, the body replaces the oxygen in the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. This can lead to serious tissue damage, or even death.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 400 Americans die of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning annually.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web page on carbon monoxide poisoning

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration web page on keyless ignitions

Consumer Reports article on best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; note that there is nothing in this article about accessible systems