"The place to find who you are is where you stand.” ~ George Mumford
Winter Warmth Comes With a Warning: What Lebanon Families Need to Know Right Now
Chief Schneider shared that while Lebanon has not seen serious carbon monoxide injuries, the risk is very real. The Lebanon Fire Department responds to several carbon monoxide calls every year. In 2024 alone, crews responded to 14 incidents inside the city. Thankfully, none were fatal, but each one serves as a reminder of how quickly carbon monoxide can become dangerous.
Carbon monoxide is produced anytime fuel is burned. That includes natural gas and propane heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal, and other common heat sources found in many Lebanon homes. When equipment works properly, the gas vents outside. When it does not, carbon monoxide can quietly build up indoors without any smell or warning signs.
What makes carbon monoxide especially dangerous is how it affects the body. It prevents oxygen from being used properly, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and even loss of consciousness. In some cases, people may feel fine once they leave the house, only to feel sick again when they return. Over time, that exposure can become serious or even deadly.
Chief Schneider strongly encourages every household to have carbon monoxide detectors. Detectors should be placed outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including basements. Homes with visitors or children sleeping in different areas should make sure those spaces are protected as well. Interconnected alarms are best, so everyone in the house hears them if one goes off.
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, Chief Schneider’s advice is simple and clear. Get everyone outside immediately, call 911, and stay out of the home until the fire department arrives and checks for a source.
He also shared a service many residents may not know about. For homes located within Lebanon city limits, the fire department can provide and install a carbon monoxide detector at no cost, as long as supplies are available. Firefighters will also show homeowners how to test the alarm and keep it working properly.
As a community, looking out for one another is part of what makes Lebanon special. Taking a few simple steps now can help ensure everyone stays safe and warm throughout the winter months.
For more information or to request a detector installation, residents can contact the Lebanon Fire Department directly at (417)532-7678
A look ahead at upcoming weather for Lebanon Mo
Tuesday
Sunny to partly cloudy with a high near 54–56 °F and a low around 40–45 °F. 
Wednesday
Some sun early then becoming cloudy, with a high near 57 °F and a low around 45–47 °F.
Thursday
Occasional rain showers possible in the morning then mostly cloudy and breezy, with a high around 53–54 °F and a low near 20 °F (much colder overnight).
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