On December 21st, friends of mine on Shakopee FD responded to a call at a modern townhouse residence where eight people were experiencing flu-like symptoms. The cause of their illness turned out to be carbon monoxide poisoning. All eight people survived after being transported and treated at HCMC. Chief Coleman was interviewed on the local news and stressed the importance of Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in homes. These victims did not have CO detectors. The firefighters responding tell me the family was lucky.
December 18th in Moorhead, a family of 7 was found deceased due to carbon monoxide. They were aged 5 to 37, what a tragedy to lose an entire family!
On average, carbon monoxide poisoning kills 400 people nationally and 14 people in MN each year. Here are a few more facts:
o Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas.
o Signs of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and disorientation.
o Cooking and heating units that burn fuel and are not properly ventilated or malfunction can be a source of CO in the home.
Here are a few safety tips:
o Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed within 10 feet of each sleeping room or inside each sleeping room.
o Have at least one CO alarm for each level of a home.
o Test CO alarms monthly.
o If a CO alarm sounds and you feel ill, call 911 immediately. If you feel fine, open windows and doors and call your utility company.
o Clear snow and debris from furnace, dryer, fireplace or oven vents around your home to prevent a CO buildup.
o CO detectors and alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years.
Stay Fire Safe!
Scott Carriveau, Maple Lake