“A bill from Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) and Rep. Darren Jernigan (D-Nashville) would require carbon monoxide monitors to be installed in every room where children are cared for in licensed childcare agencies. The installation would necessitate the carbon monoxide alarm be listed according to the International Building Code and the International Fire Code.”
“Both mothers claim the daycare did not have carbon monoxide detectors at the school, and the leak was detected when another parent with a detector walked into Elm Hill, and the alarm went off.”
DRAPER, Utah — Fire crews evacuated dozens of toddlers at the American Preparatory Academy in Draper Wednesday after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected.
At 3:15 p.m. fire crews arrived at the daycare after receiving reports of a possible natural gas leak. After detecting high levels of carbon monoxide inside the building, the school was ordered to be evacuated.
By the time they arrived, there were five students and five adults occupying the building. They all had noted possible symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure including headaches, nausea and vomiting.
According to American Preparatory Schools Executive Director Carolyn Sharette, it was at this time that staff immediately reported the incident.
“You can never be too careful when little kids are involved, obviously [we] don’t want anyone to be sick,” she said. “So, we’re really glad it was not as, not more serious.”
It is believed the source of the carbon monoxide originates from a gas-operated pressure washing system that was being operated on the outside of the building, where the carbon monoxide was able to enter the building from a door left open as well as an airway entrance on the rooftop.
A total of 45 toddlers and 10 adults were present on the school grounds while the power washing system may have been operated. None of the remaining people during the evacuation were transported to the hospital but were asked to transport themselves to a hospital to be examined for carbon monoxide exposure.
Officials say five children and four adults that were treated at the hospital are doing fine now, with the facility itself back up and running Thursday.
Officials are also asking anyone present at the school during this time to also be examined for carbon monoxide exposure.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“House Bill 1823 requires public schools, child day programs and certain other programs to have carbon monoxide detectors required in each building that was built before 2015.”
This legislation is thanks in large part to the efforts of Nikki Zellner and her extensive research into CO incidents in daycares and K-12 schools (check it out at www.carbonmonoxideinschools.org)
This. Is. Awesome. Truly remarkable all that Nikki Zellner has accomplished in getting CO detection requirements in place to protect kids in her home state of Virginia…all in the short span of one year.
“The other reason to applaud the new legislation is that its smooth passage through the General Assembly is an encouraging story that shows what can happen when our system works the way it’s supposed to. People became aware of a problem and spoke out. Responsible local journalists helped spread the word. And politicians responded with a sensible measure to make schools and day cares safer and avoid preventable illness and death.”
“When you book your first post-COVID-19 vacation rental, do you know if the hotel you book or home you rent requires CO alarms? The Fire Protection Research Foundation conducted a literature review to summarize existing requirements for installation of CO detection devices and consolidated the available and pertinent non-fire CO incident data.”
“Building owners should be especially concerned about brick chimneys…Inspect the chimneys for loose bricks. If the chimney provides ventilation for a fireplace or appliances such as furnaces or water heaters, make sure it still vents…also encourage building owners to ensure they have a working carbon monoxide detector.”
“One of the teacher’s husbands brought a carbon monoxide detector a few hours later to test, and when it was plugged in, the alarm went off immediately.”
“More than 30 people, including children, were evacuated from a business complex in south Fargo Wednesday, Nov. 7, after firefighters responded to a report of a gas smell and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide.
At 11:27 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to an office building, which contained businesses and a day care, at 4820 30th Ave. S. for a report of a gas smell, according to a Fargo Fire Department news release.
Upon arrival, firefighters found elevated carbon monoxide levels throughout the building.
About 15 adults and 20 children were evacuated from the building…elevated carbon monoxide levels were caused by a gas-powered concrete saw used by a construction crew in the building…”
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