CLARKSVILLE, IN (December 24, 2022) – The Clarksville Fire Department is issuing an alert to local residents regarding a dangerous carbon monoxide issue affecting southern Indiana. The issue is so severe that an emergency command center has been set up at the Clarksville Fire Department headquarters.

It started around 3:00am this morning when firefighters responded to a call of two residents in south Clarksville experiencing chest pains. Since that time, Clarksville Fire has responded to nearly two dozen calls of residents experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide. So far, at least four people have been transported to local hospitals.

Clarksville emergency officials are currently working with CenterPoint Energy to determine the cause of the problem. Until the situation is resolved, the Clarksville Fire Department is asking residents to check to make sure that their CO monitors in their homes are operating correctly.

“We are also very concerned for residents who may not even have a carbon monoxide detector in their home,” said Clarksville Fire Chief Brandon Skaggs. “That’s why we are asking everyone in Clarksville to check on their neighbors to make sure they are aware of the issue, and that their CO detectors are operating correctly.”

Chief Skaggs says someone affected by carbon monoxide would experience symptoms such as chest pains, headache, fatigues, light-headedness, dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately. If a home is affected, the Clarksville Fire Department is turning off the gas to the home, and sending residents to the homes of family or friends. If residents do not have a place to go, residents are being sent to an emergency shelter at Clarksville Middle School.

The Clarksville emergency command center will continue to monitor the situation and continue to update the media as new information is available.