A feel good success story from one of our programs and the importance of properly working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (long post, but please read it all if you have time)…
On Friday night our crews were dispatched to a home in the area of Lafayette Street for smoke/carbon monoxide alarms sounding. They were met by an elderly resident who said she went to bed and was awoken by the alarms. Crews entered the residence with our explosive gas meter (this meter detects levels of oxygen, explosive gas, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide). They immediately got readings of carbon monoxide and lowered levels of oxygen in the home. Crews backed out and donned SCBA’s. Readings of carbon monoxide in the home were around 600 parts per million (it should be 0, acceptable levels are below 9 parts per million in a home). Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, order less, colorless byproduct of combustion. After a thorough investigation, it was found that the resident mistakenly left her car running in a closed garage, likely for at least 4 hours. Liberty utilities was called to the scene as a precaution, extra firefighters were called into the station due to extensive time on scene, and the home was vented with a battery powered ppv fan until there were 0 parts per million of carbon monoxide in the home. The resident was transported by our rescue to a local hospital because of slight confusion and having detectable levels of carbon monoxide in there system. If the resident had not been alerted by the properly working smoke/carbon monoxide alarms they would have passed away within hours (likely an hour).
We have a program called “Somerset Cares”. In this program we go out to Somerset homes to do safety assessments and install smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. We recently went to this home for the “Somerset Cares” program and installed the smoke/carbon monoxide alarms that saved the residents life! A testament to the success in one of the many programs we offer and the importance of properly working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms!
“Jones said when he and his fellow firefighters finally caught up with the calls, he was able to run to his house that evening to turn his generator on for his family…”
“…a power generator was operating overnight inside one of the units. The manager of the apartment complex told ABC13’s Charly Edsitty that the power was out at the complex due to Wednesday’s storms…He also said the units do not have carbon monoxide detectors. They are not required because all of the stoves are electric at the complex.”
“…there were about five to six postal clerks inside the RW Jenkins Post Office early Wednesday morning while a generator was running inside the building.”
“You worry about things like a car accident. You know, drinking and driving, something like that. You don’t think about your child going to their friend’s house and dying of carbon monoxide poisoning…”
Jodi Semonell says her son 19-year-old Cole Oban was at a friend, Thomas Coleman’s house, when both boys died along with Thomas’ dad David Coleman and their family dog.
After the second call “…(building inspector) orders shut down all mechanical equipment, including hot water and gas stoves…his department is awaiting an engineer’s report on the source of the problem before further action is taken.”
Excellent article on the long term physical effects of CO exposure centered around this recent poisoning incident in Utah.
“…(he) had gotten very sick over the course of the day, then woke up in the middle of the night with severe thirst. When he tried to get out of bed, his entire left side had gone completely numb…
‘Brenden fell and hit his head on a dresser, then tumbled down the stairs to the bathroom, and that’s where they found him…’
The source of the fumes was a new heater for the outdoor swimming pool, which had just been hooked up and was kept in the garage below the room where (he) was living.”
According to the news video, one tenant’s CO alarm registered CO levels of over 900ppm in their apartment.
“One neighbor showed News 12 that soot from a chimney outside his apartment leaked through his electrical outlet and a crack in his ceiling. They also say this is now the third time they’ve called the fire department and that their calls to building management have gone unanswered.”
“…roughly 26 employees were exposed to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide used to preserve meat products…’Some of the employees were having difficulty breathing, and some were falling unconscious…’
Containers used to store the gasses reportedly leaked and caused the exposure.”
“According to Juneau County Sheriff’s Office’s initial statement, deputies went to the cabin, in Armenia Township, around 5 p.m. on Monday, March 27, after getting two calls asking them to check on the individuals there. Upon arrival, they discovered two people, neither of whom appeared to be breathing.”
“…EMS workers responded to 93 North Main Street in Windsor on March 15, 2023 for a person believed to be having a stroke. When the ambulance crew entered the structure “A40 single gas CO monitor began to alarm.” Warning the ambulance crew of carbon monoxide present.”
This is the first story in the series “Air We Can’t Grasp: The Insidious Matter of Carbon Monoxide.”
“During the winter, the two-family house I share with my mother sometimes gets so cold that I need a portable heater to stay warm. These days I use an electrical one. When I was a child, my family would turn the oven on to use it as a source of heat.
Now I’m aware that using a gas oven to keep warm can put tenants at risk for carbon monoxide. That made me wonder, how many people know the risks they face in their own homes from CO poisoning?”
“One was laying on the floor pretty much unconscious at that point, and then one more, kind of in the seats slumped over…Not really talking or moving.”
“CenterPoint Energy issued its response this week to a state report that found the company committed probable violations related to carbon monoxide issues in Southern Indiana in December.”
“Carbon monoxide detectors are currently not required for child care centers in Pennsylvania, despite repeated efforts by state legislators to change that. State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh County, last year sponsored a bill for the requirement, but it languished in committee. On Friday, McNeill announced she was reintroducing her legislation, which would require one or more alarms in buildings that house child care facilities with possible sources of carbon monoxide.”
“…fire departments were called to Cedar Creek Cinema on Sunday after several people fell ill and passed out after leaving the theater…When they got there, they treated five people for suspected carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning; four of those people then were taken to an area hospital… In theater No. 1, they found levels of 683 parts per million…Officials traced the CO leak to a faulty HVAC system”
“Firefighters were called to the apartment…after a carbon monoxide alarm sounded…Because of the incident, firefighters were able to discover a malfunctioning garage exhaust system.”
An occupant at 21 Sayner Court dialed 911 after a carbon monoxide detector inside their apartment building began to alarm. Ladder Co. 2 arrived to the eight-unit apartment building and immediately noted a strong odor of vehicle exhaust in the hallway just inside the front door. The crew used an air monitor to detect approximately 40 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide* in the first floor hallway. Occupants were asked to evacuate to the outdoors for their safety.
Meanwhile, Ladder 2’s crew proceeded to the underground parking structure, where carbon monoxide levels increased to 104 ppm. There were only two vehicles in the garage and neither were running at the time. Firefighters also noticed that the garage’s exhaust system was not turned on. The overhead door was opened to attempt to get some fresh air into the garage.
Firefighters went door to door to obtain additional carbon monoxide readings. Some apartment units had 40 ppm and others had very little. Patio doors and window were opened.
Eventually, firefighters pinpointed a running vehicle parked outside emitting high levels of exhaust. The owner said the vehicle had been parked in the underground lot and found to have a dead battery. After a jump, he took the vehicle outside, where it had been running for the past hour. It is unknown how long the vehicle was parked indoors before being moved outside, but firefighters suspect this was the source of the carbon monoxide buildup indoors.
The incident led to the discovery of a malfunctioning garage exhaust system, which should have alarmed and self-activated upon detecting high levels of carbon monoxide. Firefighters alerted maintenance staff to the problem, and maintenance staff said they would have the system serviced Monday (3/6/23).
With a smile, the person who called 911 asked if they would get a medal for calling this in. The firefighters were lacking medals aboard Ladder Co. 2, but they were sincerely grateful that this person dialed 911 before anyone in the building became ill from the carbon monoxide. After a quick trip to the ladder truck, a firefighter returned to the 911 caller’s unit to say “thank you” and to award them a shiny silver badge sticker.
*Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to illness and death depending on the level of carbon monoxide in the air and the amount of time exposed to it. Most people being experiencing symptoms after being exposed to at least 50 ppm of carbon monoxide for eight hours or more.
No information about source of CO or whether hotel had CO detection installed
“Five people were taken to a hospital after a carbon monoxide leak led to an evacuation of a downtown hotel, according to San Antonio Fire Department.
The incident happened just before noon Friday in the 100 block of Soledad Street, at the Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk.
Fire officials said five people in the gym were not feeling well and their symptoms aligned with possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
All of them were evacuated outside for fresh air before being taken to a local hospital by EMS.
Two of the gymgoers needed further treatment and three others were taken for evaluation out of precaution, according to SAFD.
A Hazmat crew was called to the scene for air monitoring and they found high levels of carbon monoxide in the building, fire officials said.
SAFD crews worked quickly to evacuate the entire building and get each of the floors ventilated. They’re still working to pinpoint the source of the gas leak that led to the carbon monoxide buildup.”
Additional followup on this incident(s) in southern Indiana where occupants of dozens of homes were exposed to high levels of CO in December
“The IURC said it found the gas company, ‘Failed to properly operate its propane peak shaving plant located in the Clarksville Operating Service Area, inadequately heating its propane, resulting in too rich of a mixture being injected into their distribution system. As a result, it failed to meet NFPA 59 Section 9.4.2 (2) which requires redundant controls to prevent the introduction of petroleum vapor and liquids into gas distribution lines in quantities that could cause improper combustion in consumer appliances. These controls were not properly in place and resulted in this significant event.’”
Incident #2 this month at Olton ISD – detail in video attached to this news story.
“After a thorough inspection of all possible sources and/or locations for carbon monoxide. it was found that the gas powered dryer in the gym facility was leaking carbon monoxide back into the gym facility. We will be doing the following in response to our findings. First, we will be replacing the gas-powered dryer with an electric dryer. Second, out of an abundance of caution, we will be testing our current carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are functioning properly…”
“…after clearing the scene, firefighters were called back on a report of (another) employee not feeling well. That’s when they detected a dangerous gas…four firefighters and three police officers were also sent to the hospital for evaluation…the deadly gas is odorless, and the only way to prevent such incidents is to install detectors at home and business.”
“Guests and staff evacuated The Oread Hotel Monday afternoon after a carbon monoxide alarm went off in the laundry room.
Lawrence Douglas County Fire Department (LDCFM) responded around 2:30 p.m. Dispatch reported a carbon monoxide emergency with illness at the Oread, Rich Llewellyn, LDCFM fire chief, said.
‘The fire department had us evacuate the building until they could determine that it was safe to reenter,’ Tad Stricker, the Oread’s general manager, said.
Guests and employees evacuated for about 30 minutes while the fire department inspected the issue, Stricker said.
‘We did find elevated carbon monoxide levels in the laundry room,’ Llewelyn said. ‘We monitored for carbon monoxide throughout the structure and found no elevation outside of the laundry room.’
Four employees went to an urgent care facility after saying they felt dizzy and lightheaded, Stricker said.
As of now, they have cleared the carbon monoxide from the lower level by using exhaust shafts that are built into the garage. The problem was fixed by a technician who was already on site, according to Llewelyn.
According to the hotel, all of the guests and employees are back inside the building, and normal operations have resumed.
‘As a precaution, we have shut down our laundry room until we can determine the cause,’ Stricker said.
Llewelyn said that this is a good lesson for everyone to have a working carbon monoxide detector.
‘Whether you live in an apartment or house or even have a business, it’s always important to have a carbon monoxide detector available,’ Llewelyn said.
* Update on incident that resulted in people being exposed to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in homes in southern Indiana over Christmas weekend.
“What I’m never going to forget about this…There were people just point going to the hospital in Clarksville. And they’re saying, well, you know, it must be the way you were maintaining your equipment. You must have not had it vented right. It must be your fault as the consumer, couldn’t be our fault, it must be yours, as the consumer. So, that kind of sticks with me, the tone of that denial…”
“We will continue to have experts conduct air quality and ventilation monitoring to ensure that the kitchen and all District facilities are safe. Additionally, we have begun installing Carbon Monoxide and/or Carbon Dioxide detectors throughout the District. Finally, in order to exercise the utmost care, some of the older heating equipment in the district will be removed and possibly replaced.”
(Edgewood, NM) February 5th, 2023: The Edgewood Police Department is investigating the deaths of three teenagers found deceased in a garage in our jurisdiction. As of now there is no indication of foul play, it appears that the cause of death may be Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as a propane heater was found to be in use.
We are still attempting to notify families and loved ones and our investigation is still ongoing. More details will be provided as information unfolds.
We also are working with our local school district to provide chaplains and counseling to fellow students and families.
The Edgewood Police Department would like to stress to the community the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and the importance of having Carbon Monoxide detectors in homes and workspaces where heaters and appliances are in use. Carbon Monoxide is extremely dangerous, it cannot be seen, smelled, or heard.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the community.
“Firefighters investigated and did confirm the presence of carbon monoxide on the second story of the home, along with the odor of wood burning. The crew went on to find burning plaster and puffing smoke from a second-floor ceiling. This discovery led them to check the attic space, where they found smoldering insulation and burned wiring.”
1/27/23, 1709hrs. Rescue Squad 9 overheard a medical call going out in the Township for the report of an Unconscious Patient. Due to the primary ambulance service being on another call, the Rescue Squad responded with 6 personnel. On arrival they located 1 patient unconscious in a closed garage.
After further investigation they realized the car that was being worked on was still running. Crews metered the garage after donning SCBA and had over 1000PPM of Carbon Monoxide in the garage. E9-1 w/4 added onto the call and assisted with ventilation and metering the entire structure. The patient was transported to the local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“A serious carbon monoxide (C.O.) incident that resulted in the extensive treatment of a Crested Butte woman on January 19 has raised awareness that further incidents could be an issue in houses built at the same time. All are located in the 800 block area of Gothic Avenue in the Paradise Park neighborhood and the problem appears connected to boilers that were installed with parts that have since been recalled but have not been replaced.”
“The Central Utah Counseling Center in Ephraim was evacuated a week ago after a problem with an old furnace was discovered. People started feeling sick, with a variety of symptom…Havens is calling for a change to state regulations that would require public and commercial buildings to have working carbon monoxide detectors. ‘I really would like to see a change in Utah’s policies that offices should have to have it,’ Havens said. ‘Not just medical offices but all commercial buildings should have to have it because people shouldn’t have to go through this.’”
“At approximately 8:30 am two employees were overcome by carbon monoxide gas inside of the jail. Tyler Fire Department determined that the carbon monoxide came from a boiler at the jail…”
“Glassport police said there were such high levels of carbon monoxide that five people have to be treated, and police say 39-year-old Geoffrey Davis was argumentative when they brought the gas issue to his attention. Court papers said on Monday that a 17-year-old boy kept falling without cause. His grandmother called 911 around 5:30 a.m. Paramedics found high levels of carbon monoxide and evacuated the building…Investigators say the grandmother told them her CO alarm had been going off for three days. She changed the batteries and it kept going. She then called Davis and he came two days later. Davis allegedly changed the furnace filter but allegedly never addressed the carbon monoxide alarms…Gas crews told police the building put residents in “imminent danger of death.” They red-tagged the furnace and made it inoperable. ”
“Gene Beauchamp, 74, was an Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War…and Phil Mabray, a 61-year-old resident of Biggs in Butte County, were found dead Wednesday at a home on Spinnaker Close in The Sea Ranch…they were discovered by a crew from Gualala-based Gonzalez Tree Service that had been called in to remove a tree that fell onto the home…exact causes of death are being investigated, but the sheriff’s office has pointed to evidence indicating possible carbon monoxide poisoning….a generator was discovered in a hallway of the home, its switch on and its fuel tank empty…about a third of the homes in the community are occupied full time, a third are weekenders and the remainder are vacation and long-term rentals.”
“A suspected carbon monoxide leak on Wednesday led to 15 people being taken to a hospital and the evacuation of Hotel Emma, San Antonio Fire Department officials said.
SAFD officials responded to the historic hotel at the Pearl around 11 a.m. for a report of a sick person complaining of nausea and headache. Upon arrival, several more people at the hotel complained of the same symptoms.
Most of the victims were hotel staff members and no life-threatening illnesses were reported, SAFD said.
The leak appeared to be isolated to one or two floors, SAFD said.
Hotel marketing officials said it could take several hours to reopen the hotel because crews need to find the source of the leak and repair it.
The Pearl sent the following statement in regards to the incident:
The safety and experience of our associates and guests is our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, Hotel Emma has been safely evacuated and we are watching the situation closely. We are supporting SAFD’s evacuation efforts and keeping the area clear while they conduct their investigation. Southerleigh, which was also evacuated, will reopen at 4 p.m. this afternoon. The rest of Pearl’s properties have not been impacted and remain open.
The hotel sent a statement at 6 p.m. saying the hotel will not reopen Wednesday night:
In an abundance of caution, Hotel Emma has relocated our guests and staff for the evening and shut down the hotel for the night. We will continue to monitor the situation alongside the SAFD and test again in the morning. We thank the SAFD for their quick response and support. As always, the safety and comfort of our guests and staff remains our top priority.”
“A 71-year-old Northampton County man died of carbon monoxide poisoning after using a generator at his home, according to county Coroner Zachary Lysek.
Joel S. Kotulka, of the 300 block of Old Allentown Road in Bushkill Township, was discovered unresponsive in his detached garage on Dec. 25 where a running generator was being used, Lysek said.
When he was found, he was transported by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Campus, where he was pronounced dead at 9:11 p.m.
Kotulka’s neighborhood had lost power the afternoon of Dec. 23 due to the storm, Lysek said.
Lysek said Kotulka was using a generator in his detached garage to run several appliances in his home.
The cause of death was due to carbon monoxide toxicity, and the manner of death was ruled an accident, Lysek said.”
“Officials said the issue is so severe, an emergency command center has been set up at the Clarksville Fire Department headquarters. At least four people have been taken to the hospital.
Indiana’s Utility Regulatory Commission is investigating.
Clarksville Fire Department is urging everyone to install carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working properly.”
“CenterPoint Energy, a gas and electric utility service in the area, said last week the issues were the result of “improper appliance venting” and that colder weather was also a factor in the carbon monoxide issues.
Indiana’s Utility Regulatory Commission said it began an investigation into the incident days later, stating it was unsatisfied with the utility company’s response.”
“Firefighters found a man dead while they were evacuating an apartment building in Waterbury after a carbon monoxide went off Wednesday morning, according to police.
Police said officers responded to 144 Grove St. at 10:14 a.m. after the fire department contacted them to let them know they found the man deceased in the building.
He was found in a common area of the building, police said, and the investigation was turned over to the detective bureau and Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Police said the cause of the man’s death is under investigation.
Authorities said the building was later determined to be safe for occupancy.
A representative of CK Management, LLC said they believe that one tenant who reported not feeling well went to the hospital.
They said they are committed to fixing the boiler immediately and it will hopefully be fixed by tonight.”
Every one or two-family house/dwelling sold and/or leased after Jan. 1, 2023, shall have at least one operable, life-long, sealed battery carbon monoxide (CO) detector.
The detector packaging should feature phrases including life-long or 10-year and sealed battery or a sealed-in lithium battery.
The device can be in combination with a smoke detector.
One or two-family house/dwelling is defined as a building containing not more than two dwelling units in which one or each dwelling unit is occupied by members of a single family with not more than three outsiders, if any, accommodated in rented rooms.”
“An onboard emergency prompted a response from the Coast Guard, and the rescue of five boaters near a Delaware bay on Christmas Day.
Officials say the five mariners experienced possible carbon monoxide poisoning while boating 11 miles east of the Indian River Bay near Bethany Beach, Delaware.”
“• The U.S. Coast Guard and a local Delaware fire department are reporting that they were called out on Christmas afternoon for five seafarers suffering from possible carbon monoxide exposure.
• The USCG’s Delaware Bay Command Center received a report that 5 mariners aboard the motor vessel Reggeborg had experienced possible CO poisoning, requiring medical assistance, a Station Indian River 47-foot motor lifeboat boat & the Lewes Fire Department also responded with one of its boats, Delaware State Troopers, Delaware Fish & Wildlife & the DNR also assisted.
• 2 of the crewmembers were removed from the ship by the U.S. CG & transferred to its station for further medical assistance, the 3 others were transferred to the Bethany Fire Department for medical assistance.
• The 557ft long Netherlands registered 22,000 dwt ship, Reggeborg was anchored 11 miles east of Indian River Bay off the Delaware coast since December 19 & arrived from Jacksonville, Florida from Finland in October.
• It is unclear how the crewmembers of a general cargo ship anchored offshore were exposed to the deadly gas.”
“Firefighters said just after 5 p.m., they got multiple calls about people feeling sick at the resort and conference center near Denver International Airport.”
“Over one week in 2019, two people went to the hospital after they were exposed to carbon monoxide at the resort, the Denver Post reported. That leak came from work being done in the boiler room, the outlet reported.”
“On Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shared the findings of an internal investigation related to the death of Walla Walla District employee Eric Engle, who was found dead inside the Dworshak Dam on the morning of June 30.
In a statement released on social media, Matt Rabe, Director of Public Affairs for the USACE Northwestern Division, said that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently met with the family Engle to share the findings of the internal investigation.
According to the statement, it was the determination of the investigating team that Engle’s death was not caused by the violation of any safety policies or practices. That statement can be read in full below.”
“Yesterday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met with the family of Eric Engle, the Walla Walla District Employee who passed away while on duty on June 29 at Dworshak Dam, to share with them the findings of our internal investigation. It was the determination of the investigating team that Mr. Engle’s death was not caused by the violation by USACE of any Army or USACE safety policies or practices. While we will never truly know exactly what happened, our teams will learn from this tragic incident and take steps to reduce the chances of happening to any other employee.”
“A total of five investigations ensued including the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office, Clearwater County Medical Examiner, Federal OSHA, USACE Safety Investigation Board and an investigation under Army Regulation 15-6.”
“Ashley and her husband Travis started a one-family campaign for change, making calls and sending emails to get CO detectors installed in their children’s school.
‘I was angry, but our anger led to something positive,’ Travis Wilson said.
The school district approved detectors in all schools in the district, thanks to Wilsons’ efforts.”
“Currently, there are no federal laws requiring CO alarms in buildings. Local laws regarding CO alarms and detectors vary across counties and cities and towns. There are exceptions to the regulations as well. Some require them in new buildings but not in existing ones. Some require them in sleeping spaces while other requirements apply only to buildings with a fuel-burning source.
The most recent federal law, Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021, signed by the president, encourages states to adopt tougher standards but does not require the use of CO detectors. It authorizes the Consumer Protection Safety Commission to provide resources to states and encourages the use of alarms. It also establishes a grant program to help states sponsor awareness programs.
But Congress was able to require one federal agency to mandate CO alarms. Following multiple carbon monoxide poisoning deaths, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development set a deadline of December 27th to have carbon monoxide alarms installed in 3 million of its units nationwide.”
From the Holyoke Fire Department (Holyoke, MA) Facebook page:
SUCCESS STORY- Carbon Monoxide Alarm Saved Lives
Tuesday December 13th Truck 2 responded to a call for a residential carbon monoxide (CO) detector activation. Upon arrival the crew found evidence of high levels of CO in the home. This early detection allowed for the astute Truck 2 company to discover a fire above the ceiling in the bathroom when upon their investigation they noticed discoloration of the ceiling. No reports of smoke or other signs of fire were reported by the homeowner and in fact had it not been for the activation of the CO detector the fire would have been able to develop much further and this incident may very well have ended in tragedy. This is a great example of how these devices can and truly do save lives.
This morning at approximately 0130 T-2 Group D was dispatched to Rampart Ct for a reported Carbon monoxide detector activation. While searching for the source of the CO T-2 noticed a discoloration in the ceiling and utilizing a thermal imaging camera were able to detect a fire in the ceiling. A full response was called for which brought E-6, E-3, and Car-21 to the scene. Companies were able to extinguish the fire quickly and check for extension. No injuries to report at this time. The occupants were all evacuated early on because of the CO alarm and were displaced for the remainder of the night. The cause is under investigation by HFD and MSP investigators. Thank you once again to HPD and Cataldo EMS for assistance on scene. Thank you to the HG&E for their quick response. And lastly Kudos to T-2 for their tenacity in locating and extinguishing the fire.
“Crews entered the hotel and found a maintenance worker inside the boiler room deceased… Testing showed the boiler room contained carbon monoxide levels in excess of 500 parts per million…”
“Charles Suire, 49, of Ann Arbor, was found dead Monday, November 28, in the boiler room of the Victory Inn, 3750 Washtenaw Ave., according to the Ann Arbor Police Department.
Police were contacted by Ann Arbor Public Schools around 12:30 p.m. Monday to conduct a health and welfare check after a 14-year-old student who was staying at the hotel with his mother and father failed to show up for school. said the police.
Officers came and met with the teenager, who said he did not go to school because he was worried about his father Suire, who left her room around 3pm the previous day and had not returned, police said…Investigators reviewing the hotel’s surveillance video saw Suire enter the boiler room alone around 3pm and did not come out…”
“The man, 59, had gone out to a maintenance shed a few hours earlier to do some work. When church staff went to check on him, they found him dead…There was a gas tank on an engine that was out of gas.”
“…firefighters, assisted by numerous other agencies, worked in assessing potential patients after a furnace malfunction filled a four-story apartment building with carbon monoxide… Nine tenants were treated at local hospitals.
The potentially deadly situation came to light after a man took his four children to Vassar Brothers Medical Center (VBMC) with complaints that they were all feeling ill. After a battery of tests Sunday afternoon, VBMC notified City of Poughkeepsie 911 that all five patients were suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning…On the top floor, carbon monoxide readings indicated a deadly level of the gas at 1,000 parts per million (ppm).
Firefighters were hampered in their ability to communicate with the tenants, who were mostly Spanish-speaking. The city’s fire department, along with the additional fire departments and ambulance personnel on the scene, do not speak Spanish.”
“Recovering from recent knee replacement surgery and spending much of his time in bed, he began hearing his CO monitor alarm going off. He had purchased it last year the day after he heard the tragic case of Point Roberts (Washington) residents Murray Church and Gail Asmundsen who died from CO poisoning on November 25…”
“Despite not having carbon monoxide detectors present in most residential buildings, on the Stony Brook Department of Student Community Development website, for information about renting off-campus, the university states that ‘every room used for sleeping should have its own smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.’”
“There was a fire call at about 7:45 p.m. Friday and afterward, the truck was brought back to the station and plugged in by another firefighter, former Livermore Falls firefighter Brian Harbaugh said.
It runs on gasoline but needs to be plugged in for battery purposes for lights and sirens and other equipment, he said.
Harbaugh went to the station at about 10 a.m. Sunday to pick up paperwork so firefighters could get paid. He discovered the department pickup truck running and there was a high level of carbon monoxide concentration in the building. He estimated the truck had been going for about 36 hours.”
“The 911 call was initially a medical call for a child who was unconscious…When firefighters and EMTs responded, the monitors on their bags alerted them to carbon monoxide…There is no carbon monoxide detector in the building, officials said.”
“…Simply put, any house sold or leased after Jan. 1, 2023, will need to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm in the home.
In addition, the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Council adopted an amendment to the state’s residential building code requiring carbon monoxide alarms to be installed at the same time a whole home, standby generator is installed. That change also goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.”
Seven Bowling Green Junior High students and an employee have become ill after elevated levels of carbon monoxide were detected in the school’s kitchen.
The following communication was sent to families of students at Bowling Green Junior High.
“Earlier today, an employee in the cafeteria became ill, which was determined to be caused by elevated levels of CO2 in the kitchen. The entire school was checked by the Bowling Green Fire Department, and determined concerns were isolated to the kitchen and cafeteria area. Upon further investigation across the school, seven BGJHS students indicated they were experiencing symptoms, and were also evaluated by medical staff…”
“Eric Engle, an Army veteran and employee of the Corps, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on June 29 while operating a gas-powered pressure washer in a tunnel at the dam. The Corps said this week Engle’s death has prompted five separate investigations.”
“A total of five investigations ensued including the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office, Clearwater County Medical Examiner, Federal OSHA, USACE Safety Investigation Board and an investigation under Army Regulation 15-6.”
“Three people were transported to a hospital and three others were treated at the scene after being overcome by carbon monoxide Saturday at an Enid church.
According to Enid Fire Department Deputy Chief Chad Mantz, the six people were overcome at the church at 1724 W. Broadway, where propane burners or cookers were being used in the basement.”
“He was not the first guest to fall ill in Room 205. Just when Pawel Markowski thought that nothing could shake him more than nearly losing his life to a carbon monoxide leak at a hotel in Catoosa, Okla., his lawyer sent him the Fire Department’s report.
‘We have previously responded to this exact room number two other times in the last two weeks,’ Denus Benton, Catoosa’s fire chief, wrote….”
“…a total of 24 patients were treated after the incident at Stonegate Lodge on East Van Buren Avenue. Ten were transported to hospitals, including four who were airlifted. One patient initially transported to Eureka Springs Hospital was flown out of that facility in critical condition…”
“In Arkansas, hotels are not required to have carbon monoxide detectors. Eureka Springs fire officials could confirm Tuesday whether the Stonegate Lodge had them.”
“The Hampton Inn in Bow was evacuated Tuesday night after elevated levels of carbon monoxide triggered alarms.
Bow Fire Chief Eliot Berman said the incident, which began shortly before 8:30 p.m., was traced to a problem with one of the hotel’s furnaces.
Guests spent a couple hours outside while fire department personnel went through the building. “We had to evaluate five or six individuals, but nobody was transported to the hospital,” the chief said. “Everybody was fine.”
Berman said the furnace involved was shut down, and firefighters ventilated the building.
Once carbon monoxide levels returned to acceptable levels, guests were allowed back inside shortly before 11 p.m., he said.”
“A broken exhaust fan led to a carbon monoxide build-up Monday night in a Southwest Side underground parking garage, authorities reported.
Fire crews responded to the apartment building in the 90 block of Kessel Court on reports of carbon monoxide alarms sounding, Madison Fire Department spokesperson Cynthia Schuster said in a statement.”
OLEAN, NY — Washington West Elementary School was evacuated Wednesday after firefighters found two construction workers in “obvious distress with levels of carbon monoxide present in their blood,” according to a press release from the City of Olean Fire Department.
Firefighters responding to the scene determined that six people were suffering from carbon monoxide. Two were taken to Olean General Hospital; four were treated at the scene.
According to the press release, the incident was caused by propane powered construction equipment that was operated in an area with minimal ventilation.
“When the unresponsive employee woke up, they were tested for carbon monoxide. Due to the level being so high, they were flown to a hospital in Baltimore. The conditions of those involved are unknown at this time.
According to Chief Ulrich, the store was going through renovations overnight. The crew was using propane-powered construction equipment that was not proper for the environment…”
“Ashley Wilson couldn’t shake the worry of her son getting carbon monoxide poisoning at school.
It may not be the first concern that comes to mind when a parent thinks about their child at school, but for Wilson, the worry was warranted.
In February 2020, her family suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after the boiler in their former apartment was leaking. There was no detector installed to indicate the presence of the colorless, odorless, potentially deadly, gas.
She would try to reassure herself that the schools were safe but decided she needed to reach out after she heard news about 17 people being sent to the hospital after carbon monoxide levels reached dangerously high levels in a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee dorm.
To Wilson’s surprise, the Appleton Area School District told her there aren’t detectors in any of the school buildings.
State law doesn’t require them in schools, but it does require them on every level of Wisconsin homes. According to the state Department of Health Services, carbon monoxide poisoning sends about 500 Wisconsinites to the emergency room each year…”
“Families of three men who died of carbon monoxide poisoning while camping at the 2021 Faster Horses Festival are suing the event promoter and Michigan International Speedway, alleging the campground was overcrowded, unsafe and improperly monitored and inspected…Live Nation and the speedway, which owns the land, did not monitor or supervise the campsites, making the area unfit and dangerous for campers to safely use generators, alleges the pending lawsuit, filed in April in Lenawee County Circuit Court.”
“Fire Department records show Catoosa Firefighters had been called out to the same room in the same hotel for the same reason, two times in the previous two weeks. Pawel Markowski says his coworker saved his life. Markowski didn’t show up for a business meeting which isn’t like him, so his coworker went to the Hampton Inn and Suites and convinced the staff to unlock Markowsi’s room and they found him on the floor unconscious.”
“…rescue crews were called…for an individual experiencing seizures… When crews arrived and got about 20 feet to 30 feet inside the building, carbon monoxide detectors they wear began activating… A total of 35 people were exposed to carbon monoxide and 10 were taken to the hospital…”
“When paramedics arrived on scene Saturday night, the carbon monoxide meters affixed to their medical bags immediately went into high alert upon entering the lobby of the theater…discovered levels of anywhere from 250 to 350 parts per million…Paramedics then called for additional fire personnel to arrive on scene in order to determine the cause of the carbon monoxide leak and the remaining patrons at the venue were evacuated. Eventually, officials reported finding the apparent culprit: three gas-powered generators in a partially-enclosed, outdoor service area that were being used to provide additional power needed for the band’s performance…”
“Dozens of residents evacuated the building after receiving a notification from their carbon monoxide detectors or hearing about the leak from neighbors, but residents said they did not receive orders from The Statesman or fire officials to leave their apartments.“
“Nearly two dozen workers were taken to local hospitals after elevated levels of carbon monoxide were found inside the offices and warehouse of NFI Interactive Logistics. Cedar Rapids fire crews were called just after 2:30 p.m. to the scene at 3110 Prairie Valley Ct. SW, for reports of carbon monoxide alarms going off inside the large warehouse and its attached office space.”
“This past week we were called to a (newly purchased) residence…and found an unconscious male in the basement and his wife upstairs, both suffering what was obviously carbon monoxide poisoning… Going into that house to rescue the two people was a danger to the police officers, as well,” (Fire Marshal) Overy said. “They arrived ahead of us and got the two out…(fire and gas officials) are asking once again that the council pass an ordinance requiring certification for anyone installing gas appliances in the city of Evanston.”
“Staff and inmates at the Franklin County Detention Center were forced to evacuate the on Saturday afternoon after a corrections officer reported smelling fumes in the building…investigation officers found the boiler room full of smoke…boiler was turned off after carbon monoxide was detected.”
“The plaintiffs are alleging gross negligence by three companies for a 2021 incident in which the improper use of welding equipment indoors exposed at least 20 people to toxic levels of carbon monoxide.”
“Tampa Fire Rescue said crews were sent to the Oaks at Riverview Apartments on North Florida Avenue after a man in his 50s was found unconscious in his unit…Captain Henry Williams with Tampa Fire Rescue says the generators were brought in the day prior, after a small fire broke out in one of the units…Water damage from the sprinklers forced management at the complex to get a 3rd party restoration company to bring in generators. Those generators were left on.”
“The cause of it was (that) one of the water heaters for the business had a mechanical failure and it was venting into the mechanical room itself which was then getting into the rooms of the residents”
More on this hotel CO incident in Lakeland, Florida. According to the video portion of this story, hotel was not required to have CO detection installed due to its age.
“Baltimore City fire officials say dozens of residents were evacuated from four apartment buildings in Northwest Baltimore after extremely high levels of carbon monoxide were detected…”
A followup story on the incident response to a family of 4 suffering CO poisoning in their home during last year’s ice storm in Texas…
“‘…this isn’t about an individual — it’s about a systemwide practice…if you’ve discovered this incident, and it probably isn’t the only one that they have, what are you going to do to prevent it from happening in the future?’”
“’I didn’t even have time to get anything. I’m still wearing slippers,’ freshman Aidan Gentile said.
He was in the study lounge and said he noticed having difficulties breathing.
Gentile said he saw students fainting earlier in the week.
‘I had a lot of pain in my chest, which is like a common symptom of like anxiety, so that’s what I assumed it was. And I also was really light-headed like earlier in the weekend,’ student Alayna McKim said.
University Housing staff said they became aware of the problem when students came to the front desk complaining of headaches, dizziness and other symptoms.“
“Sacramento Fire Department Public Information Officer Keith Wade said around 5:30 p.m. Friday residents at an apartment building at 999 Arcade Boulevard called PG&E for an issue. Once at the apartment, PG&E ascertained that the wall heater had a carbon monoxide build-up.”
“Fire officials said Friday they had no knowledge of carbon monoxide detectors going off that evening, but that doesn’t mean the facility doesn’t have them.
In addition, Fire Marshal Brock Weliver pointed out the facility, with a “big, wide open space, isn’t necessarily required” to have detectors to comply with the International Fire Code.
Fire officials had no guess as to how long people had been exposed, a major factor in determining health risk.“
“In their own timeline of events, Richmond Public Schools said those vital alarm panels never called the Richmond Alarm Company because 8-0-4 was not recently added after Verizon changed operations requiring local calls to include the area code.”
“…deputy fire marshal found a business with elevated carbon monoxide levels, during a follow-up inspection…The high levels of CO were due to an improperly vented portable heater…”
“Levels as high as 314 parts per million were detected inside the Hippodrome…ground floor level was 182, and a reading of 232 ppm was found in the women’s bathroom.
The first call to the scene…came for an unconscious person at 9:05 p.m.
…emergency personnel are on standby for such an event, but are not inspecting for hazards like a gas.
…Asked about who has the responsibility of ensuring a safe environment, (fire chief) said the event sponsor or the building owner.”
“Marysville Fire investigators and other area officials conducted a follow-up investigation on what caused the hotel pool area to fill with carbon monoxide on January 28 making several people sick.”
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