BEDFORD, New Hampshire – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Bedford Police Chief Daniel A. Douidi, and Bedford Fire Chief Scott Hunter announce that the victims of a fatal carbon monoxide incident at 99-2 Pulpit Road in Bedford, NH, on October 13, 2024, have been identified, and the NH Medical Examiner’s Office has released the cause of the deaths.
The NH Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victims as 78-year-old David P. Moore Jr. and 79-year-old Janice G. Moore of Bedford. The cause of death has been ruled as accidental.
The cause of the carbon monoxide release is currently under investigation by the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bedford Police Department. It has been determined that carbon monoxide alarms were located within the residence; however, they were not functional.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.
State Fire Marshal Toomey urges all New Hampshire residents to prioritize their safety by regularly testing their carbon monoxide alarms. It’s crucial to ensure these life-saving devices are in working condition, so please test them monthly and replace the batteries during daylight savings time. Remember, if your alarm starts chirping, it’s a sign the battery is dying.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas known as the silent killer. Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms or if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, exit your home, get to fresh air, and call 9-1-1 immediately so the local fire department can investigate the cause of the alarm.
No further information will be released at this time.
Climate change is making extreme weather events like wildfires, floods and hurricanes more frequent and severe. Scientists now say that carbon monoxide poisonings are on the rise amid widespread power outages following those events. ProPublica’s Lexi Churchill joins Ali Rogin to discuss her recent reporting on this issue.
“Portable generators actually lead to about 70 deaths a year from CO poisoning, which makes portable generators one of the most dangerous devices that consumers can buy on the market.”
“The Evergreen (State College) tragedy has striking similarities to the deaths of Murray Church and Gail Amundsen, who died of CO poisoning in their Point Roberts home on Thanksgiving 2021. Their deaths were also due to the improper installation of a gas appliance; in their case, a condensing boiler installed in their newly constructed home…no CO detectors had been installed by the electrical contractor…despite the fact that CO detectors have been required in new and remodeled residences since 2011.”
A woman and five other people became sick after being overcome by carbon monoxide fumes on August 7, 2024. The woman was transferred to another hospital where she later died.
*** PRESS RELEASE August 14, 2024 ***
On August 7, 2024, at 2:51 AM, Deputies with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office in Vineyard, along with Officers from Orem Police Department, responded to a report of people who had “inhaled” gas from a vehicle at a residence in Vineyard.
When Deputies arrived they found a car in a garage and the garage door was by then open. Deputies saw a man lying on the floor who was not conscious. When a Deputy entered the garage he noticed the strong odor of vehicle exhaust and was unable to remain in the garage. With another Deputy he re-entered the garage and they removed the man from the garage and began to render aid to him. The man was breathing but was still not conscious. This man was taken by ambulance to Utah Valley Hospital in Provo.
During this time they noticed a woman’s legs were sticking out of the passenger side door in the back seat of the car. The Deputies carried this woman outside and they noticed she was not conscious or breathing and had no pulse. The Deputies began administering CPR, which was taken over by Orem Fire Department Paramedics when they arrived. This woman was taken by ambulance to Timpanogos Hospital in Orem. She was later transferred by medical helicopter to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray in critical condition. This woman was on life support and later died on August 11, 2024 at 3:45 PM. Her name is Angelica Maria Avila Almanza, age 24, and she lived in Vineyard.
Inside the home were a 27 year old woman and three young children ages 4 years, 2 years, and 9 months. These four were also taken to area hospitals where they were treated and released.
Investigators believe Avila Almanza and the man were in the garage and may have been running the car motor so they could use the air conditioning. The walk through door into the home from the garage, and the roll up garage door were closed during this time and there was no carbon monoxide sensor in the garage. There were, however, carbon monoxide sensors inside the apartment which eventually activated. Four other occupants of the apartment were wakened by that alarm and left the apartment and called 911. Those four were evaluated at the scene and released.
For questions contact Sergeant Spencer Cannon, Public Information Officer, Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
“Her family had routinely used the generator when the power was out, including during the 2021 freeze, which resulted in the worst carbon monoxide poisoning event in recent history. They always kept the device at a safe distance to prevent the colorless, odorless gas from seeping inside. On July 11, however, they moved it a few feet closer to their home in Cleveland, Texas, placing it under the porch in anticipation of rain from the hurricane.”
The National Electrical Code is revised every three years and outlines the minimum requirements for safe electrical installation. Many older homes may not have an adequate electrical system to meet the electrical demands of today. If you’re renovating your home, make sure to have the following electrical safety devices installed to maintain an electrically safe home:
Cell phones and other devices are a big help in a weather emergency. They’re a quick way to check in with friends and relatives or call for help. But if the power’s out and your battery is low, be careful where you recharge your devices.
It may be tempting to use a running car or truck to charge your phone, but never do that when your vehicle is in a garage. Most engines put out carbon monoxide, a deadly gas you can’t see or smell.
A running car can create enough carbon monoxide build-up to kill you, even if the garage door is open. Wind can blow carbon monoxide back into your garage, or even inside your house if doors, windows, or vents are open.
If you can do so safely, move your vehicle out of the garage and away from your home. Then it’s OK to start the engine and recharge your phones and devices in the vehicle.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A pair of Wasilla women were found unresponsive inside a home on Saturday afternoon from what officials say is “likely” carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to Alaska State Troopers, authorities went to the Williwaw Subdivision in Wasilla early Saturday afternoon on a report of two deaths inside a home.
The report was received at 1:12 p.m.; Wasilla Police Department, Central Mat-Su EMS and Fire and troopers responded.
After lifesaving efforts were made on Desiree Michaud, 19, and Rosa Schlosser, 21, both women were declared dead, according to troopers.
The women were home while a generator was running inside a crawlspace, “likely dying from carbon monoxide poisoning,” troopers said.
Troopers say no foul play is suspected but the investigation into the deaths is not yet complete.
The women’s bodies were taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
Response at 0600 to 18 4th Street for a CO Alarm. Companies found elevated readings of Carbon Monoxide in the residence. The source was found to be 2 batteries powering a sump pump that had failed and began to offgas . Bergen County HAZMAT responded to neutralize the batteries. The home was ventilated and the residents refused medical attention. All companies were back in quarters at 1000.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Each home should have a detector on every level of the home, particularly outside of sleeping areas.
Key findings in the UL Standards & Engagement report include:
More than one-third of U.S. homes have no CO detection: One-third (36%) of U.S. adults — 86.2 million individuals — have no means of detecting CO leaks in their homes. Further, many Americans are confused about what counts as detection. Nearly three in ten (29%) U.S. consumers — more than an estimated 69 million Americans — say they do not need (17%) or are unsure (12%) if they need a CO alarm in the home if smoke alarms are present.
Generator owners do not feel at risk — or know there is one: An estimated 29 million Americans own a portable generator, primarily to deal with power outages in extreme weather. Even though portable generators are responsible for 81% of CO deaths, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission data, the ULSE survey found that 62% said they do not feel that they or their household are at risk of CO exposure or poisoning from their generator, and another 23% of generator owners did not realize that these appliances are a potential source of CO.
Assumed CO protection in public places: Despite an inconsistent patchwork of requirements and codes across states, Americans are largely not concerned with CO in public settings like churches, daycares, restaurants, and hotels. Half of Americans do not worry about exposure to CO in public spaces because they trust that CO alarms are installed. Nearly half (46%) of travelers do not worry about CO exposure when staying in hotels and rental properties because they assume CO alarms are installed, and another 44% say they believe every state has laws that require alarms.
Consumers need to be especially careful when storms knock out electrical power. CO poisoning from portable generators can kill whole families in minutes. CO is called the invisible killer because it is colorless and odorless. CO poisoning from portable generators can happen so quickly that people can become unconscious before recognizing the symptoms of nausea, dizziness or weakness.
“They want that underground fire put out sooner rather than later, saying they fear for their health and their homes….’It’s a lot of fumes coming up from the colliery, especially when it rains. We have intense fog. We’re getting carbon monoxide in our homes. It’s recommended to open your windows. It’s higher outside…’”
“Maricel Martinez, 47, a Spanish teacher at St. Albert the Great Catholic School in Huntingdon Valley, her husband, Jorge Cardona, 56, a cleaner at Springfield Township High School, and their daughter, Angelina Cardona, 12, were found unresponsive inside their Northeast Philadelphia home on Thursday, February 15…Martinez’s brother told NBC10 she had gone to the hospital on February 11 because she was experiencing headaches, and a neighbor said they saw Jorge Cardona trying to fix something in the chimney prior to his death.”
Fire Service Leaders Promote Alarm Installation, Testing, and Maintenance
“Be sure you have working CO alarms on every level of your home,” Chief Andrews said. “Test them every month and change the batteries twice a year. Like smoke alarms, they also need to be replaced eventually – usually after five, seven, or 10 years. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or look up the make and model online.”
“More than 100 calls about possible carbon monoxide exposure occurred shortly before Christmas 2022 in New Albany, Clarksville and Jeffersonville, WDRB News has previously reported. At least four people were taken to the hospital.
State regulators claimed CenterPoint failed to follow federal regulations when it improperly heated propane at its Jeffersonville facility, resulting in too much propane in the gas distribution system. The investigation found that the company didn’t have controls in place to prevent a mixture that ‘could cause improper combustion in consumer appliances.’”
Denise was scheduled to work at the clinic in early February, but she never showed up…the 67-year-old was found unconscious in her home because of carbon monoxide poisoning. On Feb. 3, she died in the hospital…it’s possible the carbon monoxide detectors weren’t working.”
“Walter Cranford died of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning on Jan. 17 during the Ice Storm where a power outage paralyzed Cottage Grove for an extended amount of time. Walter had brought a portable propane heater into his room to stay warm…Walter was one of 15 deaths in Lane County who died of carbon monoxide poisoning…”
Two people are dead and one is in the hospital from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning near Princeton, about 50 miles north of Minneapolis.
The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a house in Princeton Township shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday for an initial report of a possible overdose.
When they arrived, they found one person dead in an upstairs bedroom, along with a semi-conscious dog. The man was identified as 27-year-old Marcos Larson of Princeton.
Deputies also found a woman and cat, both deceased, in another location in the house. The woman’s name has not yet been released.
The woman who called 911 was taken to a Princeton hospital. Her condition wasn’t available.
A fire and rescue crew determined there was a lethal amount of carbon monoxide inside the home.
Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton said from the early investigation, it appears the occupants were using propane heaters and space heaters run by a gas-powered generator to heat the home. He said the house had no power or running water.
Burton said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
“It is never safe to run combustion engines inside of an enclosed space,” Burton said. “Make sure your home is always equipped with working carbon monoxide alarms to alert you to dangerous levels.”
“…evidence at trial showed that there were no obvious sources to explain elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the home. Mr. Way purchased products known to react together to create carbon monoxide…”
“Keith Sherk was just 21 years old when he died from CO poisoning. It happened 20 years ago, but to his father, the pain is as fresh as if it happened yesterday.
‘It was all accidental,’ recalled Sherk. ‘It could have been prevented with just one carbon monoxide detector in his little room.’”
“Two men were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning near Spicer Wednesday. At 1:20 p.m. fire and ambulance crews were called to a home on Indian Beach Road, where two men had passed out while doing concrete work in the basement of the home…”
Officers learned the man was visiting family at the home, but was not allowed to bring his dog inside the house. Family members said the man would normally open the garage door.
“The three people were found dead inside their trailer home on Indian Hill Drive.
Investigators say electricity was turned off to the home several weeks ago, so the owner put a generator out. But, investigators said the park doesn’t allow generators, so they put the generator in the back bedroom.
The victims were asleep in the front of the home when the fumes started to spread.
Investigators said one of the victims didn’t show up for work and when a family member came to check on them it was too late.
The victims have been identified by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office as David Vertis Dye, 53, of Crittenden; David Vertis Lee Dye, 21, of Crittenden; and Aubrie McGoveny, 20, of Covington.”
GALESBURG, N.D. — Hundreds remain without power from this week’s ice storm and it could be for a few more days before power is restored.
One couple who lost power for a couple of days thought they were being extra cautious as they fought to keep the power going to their home.
They still nearly lost their lives.
Alan Paulson was dodging melting ice chunks from trees as he started the cleanup in his yard.
“Scary, probably shouldn’t be under here,” he said as chunks of ice fell.
That wasn’t nearly as scary as what Alan and his wife Sheri experienced Thursday.
“I thought we were safe,” he said.
After losing power, the couple set up a generator outside their garage in Galesburg to help keep their furnace and other appliances running.
The generator was placed about a foot from the garage door, which was closed except for where the power cords ran through.
The exhaust was facing away from the house.
“Probably a quarter-inch on each side,” he said referring to the gap under the garage door where two power cords were running.
It was just enough room for the wind to blow carbon monoxide from the generator back into the garage.
“The furnace probably blew it in around into our house,” he explained.
After having it running for five hours, the couple shut off the generator before bed for safety.
They admit they also took their plug-in carbon monoxide detectors out of the sockets because they kept beeping since the home was without power.
The next morning, the couple woke up with headaches and nausea.
“If we had run that generator all night we would probably not be here,” said Sheri Paulson.
After airing out their home while waiting for first responders to come check for possible carbon monoxide, firefighters still detected levels inside their home at 170 parts per million.
They should be below 10 parts per million.
Carbon monoxide in the human body should be around 3%.
Alan’s was around 40% and Sheri’s around 30%.
The couple spent five hours in the hospital receiving oxygen.
“They said we were very lucky, so that’s why we chose to be honest about this with people and share our story,” said Sheri.
What keeps playing through Alan and Sheri’s minds is the fact that their 2-year-old granddaughter was supposed to come over for the day on Thursday.
“We don’t even want to imagine if she had been with us,” Sheri said.
A couple lucky to be alive is now using the opportunity to share life-saving tips, namely installing battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors and using caution when placing generators.
“A generator should be 25 to 30 feet from your house and should not be near any doors or windows,” Sheri said, citing CDC guidelines.
“On Friday, December 22, Bob, Barb, and Tim Modzeleski were found dead in their Alpine Township home, following a carbon monoxide leak that sprung from a boiler.
Gov. Janet Mills revealed the state Center for Disease Control has received multiple reports of possible carbon monoxide poisoning since Monday’s storm.
The Mills administration released tips on generator safety as many Mainers continue to deal with extended power outages.
In the release, it’s noted that 16 reports of carbon monoxide poisoning have been made in eight separate incidents due to improper generator usage.
According to the release, the poisonings were not fatal, but resulted in visits to emergency departments in the state.
According to the CDC, a single portable gas-powered generator can produce as much deadly CO gas as 100 idling cars.
“If you are using a generator or another source of heat, please be extra cautious and know the steps you can take to protect your family. With rising reports of carbon monoxide poisoning, we want Maine people to take every necessary precaution,” Mills said.
Those experiencing CO poisoning may have symptoms similar to the flu, including:
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Chest pain
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Confusion or altered mental status
Depending on a person’s exposure to CO, poisoning can cause coma or death in a matter of minutes.
When running a generator, remember to place it outside and at least 20 feet from windows or doors and follow all safety instructions provided for the equipment.
It’s suggested you place a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping area in your home. Those detectors should be checked regularly.
If you believe you have CO poisoning, leave your home, call 911 and do not go back inside the building until a fire department clears it.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – On Saturday, the Kansas City Fire Department reported a triple fatality carbon monoxide call.
According to KCFD, a carbon monoxide call was made around 6:50 a.m. concerning a residence near Fuller Avenue and 10th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.
When crews arrived, they found three people dead and one in critical condition. The surviving victim was taken to an area hospital.
All four victims are males between the ages of 20 and 40, but no other identifying information is available at this time.
KCFD is investigating the incident and believes it may have been caused by using a generator indoors, but this has not been confirmed.
This incident is just blocks away from a similar incident in November, where three men were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a generator running indoors. KCFD warned that using generators in this manner is extremely risky.
“If you’re going to run any sort of gas-powered engine indoors or in a confined space whether it’s a generator or power washer, yeah, you’re playing a dangerous game,” battalion chief Michael Hopkins said at the time.
KCFD has issued safety tips on how to protect your home from poisonous gas.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Genoa Township Fire Department sent out a warning after a family of four nearly lost their lives.
All four were rushed to the hospital after being exposed to carbon monoxide inside their home.
“The night before I started having headaches, and I don’t normally get headaches. I thought it was a virus going around because I have three kids and they bring viruses all the time,” said Danielle Carroll. “It just got worse and worse, and yesterday morning I felt like I couldn’t function. I felt like I couldn’t get up to get my six-year-old ready for school, and that’s never been difficult. I just felt like I couldn’t, my head hurt so bad.”
She says the heater exchange had a crack, causing a large amount of the deadly carbon gas to fill her home.
“They call it ‘the silent killer’, that’s why you just don’t wake up. I almost did. I almost went back to sleep because my head hurt so bad, and I didn’t, I couldn’t,” she said.
“Could absolutely be the matter of life or death,” said Genoa Fire Chief Joe Ponzi.
Three years ago, a family of four died in their home from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“That’s an incident that never goes away from your memory when you have to respond to an incident like that,” Ponzi said.
CO can come from many places. Any time you burn fuel in your vehicle, stoves, furnaces, or even fireplaces, the deadly carbon can build up and be deadly.
It’s not just around the winter months — Chief Ponzi says CO poisoning can happen year-round.
“Don’t think that it can’t happen to you. Don’t be the person that says ‘this could never happen to me in my home’, because it very much could,” he said.
Some of the symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, leave the home and call 911 immediately.
Luckily, all of Carroll’s children are recovering from the exposure and are expected to be okay. She set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the unexpected cost.
The Columbus Division of Fire says they will install free CO detectors. City residents can make an appointment and call 614-724-0935.
“Robertson said her parents had used the generator all night and, when her father woke up, he wasn’t feeling well. Her parents walked into the garage and her father passed out.
Her mother was able to call Robertson for help before she too collapsed. Robertson called 911 and emergency crews found the couple, but could not save Bert Ogborn. Cathy Ogborn was hospitalized, but is recovering.”
A sad reminder to never run a generator in an enclosed space. Generators should be run outdoors at least 20 feet from occupied spaces.
“The dog was barking at the carbon monoxide alarm going off in the basement. The alarm was too faint for anyone to hear upstairs, but not for the pup.”
Great story and important reminder to have CO alarms on every level of your home especially near sleeping areas.
Last night at approximately 1030, Company 33 was dispatched for a Carbon Monoxide Alarm in a residence. Chief 33-2 arrived to find a high volume of CO inside and requested Rescue 33 to assist with investigation and ventilation. Crews found the source to be a boiler exhaust pipe that had inadvertently detached and was feeding exhaust fumes directly into the basement. The house was ventilated and occupants were able to relocate without injury.
Crews found up to 1,500 Parts Per Million of Carbon Monoxide in the house which is enough to cause a human to become unconscious after approximately 20 minutes and lethal after 2 hours. The resident was about to lay for the night as the rest of their family was already asleep. They were alerted by the family dog. As they went to investigate the commotion, they heard the Carbon Monoxide Alarm sounding in the basement causing them to evacuate and call 911.
It is that time of year to check your Carbon Monoxide Detectors, replace the batteries and if you don’t have them, buy them. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can only be detected by special sensors. It is most commonly produced by gas powered appliances as it is a byproduct of incomplete combustion (improper burning) that can back-feed into a residence by improper ventilation or appliance malfunction. Other common causes this time of year is blocked exterior dryer vents by either brush or snow and vehicles running in garages/vehicle exhaust leaking into a house. High levels of CO for a duration of time, as stated, is lethal. CO detectors will alert occupants early enough to escape with little to no health effects. They can be purchased at your local hardware stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc… We recommend CO and Smoke Detectors on every floor and in every bedroom.
Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell told “Region 8 the grandfather said a five-burner stove was utilized to heat the cabin and would sometimes malfunction.”
“Shortly after 9am this morning, Chief 1 and Engine 3 responded to a residence on Ned’s Point Road for a reported smell of gas.
The crew of Engine 3 entered the home and found an exhaust smell that was registering on our carbon monoxide meter at 200ppm, an extremely high level. Firefighters exited the building and donned our SCBA’s and then continued investigating. In one area of the home our meter registered 500ppm and then maxed out reading HIGH.
It was determined that a indoor pool heater had recently been turned on but during renovations to the home the heater vent pipe had been removed and shingled over resulting in exhaust and CO being forced back into the home. Our crews ventilated and secured the gas to the appliance.
CO is extremely dangerous in levels this high. Knowing that the levels were over 500ppm this incident could have resulted in unconsciousness and death. Luckily no one is living in the home as its undergoing renovations.”
“Crews arrived on the scene to find all four occupants, two adults and two children, had evacuated the home and were suffering from CO poisoning symptoms.
Firefighters entered the residence and found CO levels of 500 PPM along with a generator which was running in the basement.
Preliminarily, the residence was found to have no power with one or more gas generators in the basement powering appliances in the residence.”
“Davison Township Police Chief Jay Rendon said emergency crews found an 82-year-old man dead inside the house when they arrived. Firefighters pulled an 83-year-old woman outside.
An ambulance rushed the woman to Hurley Medical Center in critical condition. She later was airlifted to ProMedica Toledo Hospital in Ohio, where she remained in critical condition.”
Lives were saved earlier this week because of working smoke/ carbon monoxide detectors, a solid dispatcher who got help out quickly, and a robust fire/EMS response!
Fire & EMS at Grand Canyon National Park were dispatched to an NPS residence for a carbon monoxide alarm activation. Dispatch advised the residents to evacuate the home. Two firefighters entered the home while medics checked out the two adults and infant who lived there.
The entry team’s gas monitor immediately went into alarm for CO just a few feet inside the front door, and found levels between 50-60ppm. CO levels above 35ppm are considered immediately dangerous to life and health. Firefighters determined the source was the wood stove. They extinguished the fire in the stove and ventilated the home.
Within a few minutes CO levels were down to zero throughout the home and the wood stove will be inspected and the door gasket replaced.
This incident showcases the excellent work and dedication of our NPS first responders, and the importance of having working smoke/CO detectors!
When the two didn’t show up to work Friday, police responded to their home for a welfare check and firefighters found the home was filled with dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
The Kobins did have a carbon monoxide detector that went off, but the couple couldn’t hear it.
Katie Kobin suffered damage to her heart from the carbon monoxide exposure. Family told FOX4 she’s fighting for her life, but she is awake and they remain optimistic.
Now, Lenexa police have confirmed the source of the carbon monoxide came from a car that was left running inside the garage.
“Carbon monoxide is considered the silent killer. It’s colorless; it’s odorless,” Butch Diekemper, an assistant chief of the Lenexa Fire Department, told FOX4 on Monday.
“I would encourage everybody to purchase a carbon monoxide detector, get it in your home immediately. Your family is worth that much.”
The EPA said half of all unintentional carbon monoxide deaths could be prevented by an alarm, but fewer than a third of all homes have them. A basic carbon monoxide detector will only cost about $15.
Have a carbon monoxide detector on every level where someone sleeps.
Any levels above 35 parts per million need immediate attention.
Never have your car running while the garage is closed – and pull it out when you start it.
Have all home appliances checked annually.
Symptoms include headache, dizziness and vomiting.
A 2019 report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that more than half of all deaths from carbon monoxide happen in the colder months, November through February.
“I had taken my detector down — my carbon monoxide detector — down in the garage because it kept beeping. That’s what it’s supposed to do. But I had gotten a new water heater…”
“I just knew I had to someone call 911. So, I actually used our Alexa in the bedroom to call, and then was able to grab a phone off the bed by crawling over to it,” she recalled.
Unbeknownst to her and her family at the time, they were being poisoned by carbon monoxide and it was coming from their pool’s heater.”
MADISON, Wis. — The second time was the charm for first responders searching for the cause of elevated carbon monoxide readings at a multi-unit home in Madison early Monday morning.
Firefighters responded to a report of a carbon monoxide alarm sounding at the home in the 900 block of East Johnson Street around 2 a.m. A resident told firefighters the alarm had been sounding for roughly two hours; another resident reported mild symptoms possibly indicating carbon monoxide exposure, according to a Madison Fire Department incident report.
Firefighters traced the highest concentration of carbon monoxide to a rear living area but were unable to identify a source after ruling out nearby vehicles, appliances and a fire pit.
After ventilating the building, firefighters told the residents to call 911 if the alarm sounded again — which it did around an hour and 45 minutes after the first call. One of the occupants reported a wall near the elevated carbon monoxide levels was warm to the touch.
When firefighters returned, they used a thermal imaging camera to identify heat signatures on the wall, the report said. After removing the siding from the outside of the wall, they found smoldering insulation and charred studs near degraded electrical conduits.
MG&E shut off power to the building and property management was alerted to the issue.
“The children of Gail Amundsen and Murray Church have filed a lawsuit against Whatcom County and several companies alleging negligence resulting in the wrongful deaths of the couple due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.”
“The generator was in an enclosed area…a breezeway between the garage and the home and the house, but it was an enclosed breezeway. The generator was in that breezeway, which allowed the carbon monoxide fumes to go into the residence…it’s crucial to never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.”
“…some of his kids got sick after a construction crane spent time parked in the driveway of the family’s home…’a reminder to all parents of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Reminder to go test your CO detectors.’”
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…”
Comparison of four low-level carbon monoxide alarms suitable for home use
or when traveling. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2022 Third Quarter; 49(3):307-313.
Introduction/Background: Interest in carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that are more sensitive than is
required for standard residential CO alarms is growing, as reflected by increased marketing of “low-level” alarms capable of measuring CO levels as low as 10 PPM. At the same time, publicity surrounding
CO poisoning events among travelers in lodging facilities has stimulated interest in travel CO alarms.
We sought to evaluate four low-level alarms that could be used in the home and especially when
traveling.
Materials/Methods: Two each of four brands of low-level alarms (CO Experts, Forensics, Kidde, and
Sensorcon) were acquired by retail purchase and tested. The eight alarms were simultaneously
exposed in an environment with a slowly increasing level of CO from indoor burning of charcoal
briquets. CO levels displayed on the alarms were recorded once per minute. Activation of preset alerts
on the alarms were noted. Finally, alarms were compared for ease of use and features available.
Results: All brands of alarms measured CO similarly over the range from 10-120 PPM. All alarms
performed as claimed by their manufacturers, both regarding range of CO reported and preset alert
activation. Each alerted at CO levels below that required by the Underwriters Laboratories 2034
Standard.
Summary/Conclusions: Since all low-level CO alarms tested measured CO similarly, consumers seeking
a low-level CO alarm for use while traveling should base their decision on features desired and price.
There are definite differences between the alarms tested, in terms of features, expected durability,
ease of operation and price.
“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.
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 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.”
“An Ohio family was forced to evacuate their home this month after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected due to a creature being trapped in their chimney.
The culprit, an owl, had been stuck inside the structure which caused a carbon monoxide leak and activated an alarm.”
“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.”
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.’”
“Jessica Taschner was in a coma for a week and her boyfriend died after they were poisoned by carbon monoxide (CO) from a propane-run refrigerator while staying at a cabin… She spent summers there with her family, in the cabin her grandparents had built in the 1950s…”
* 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…”
(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.”
“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 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.”
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.
“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…”
“According to Deputy Jeff Caldwell the man’s death is from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a propane generator in his garage.
The man’s wife told deputies her husband went to the garage around 4:00 a.m. to check on the generator. Three hours later, at around 7:00 a.m., when he had not returned she went to the garage to check on his whereabouts and found him dead.”
“At the time of the incident, the Stampers’ home didn’t have any carbon monoxide detectors. They have now installed several CO alarms, as have all their neighbors…”
“…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.”
“It took only 11 minutes for carbon monoxide to kill.
That’s all the time, authorities believe, that Sarah MacDermid, 31, and her boyfriend Casey Bussiere, 37, had after they were were accidentally – and unknowingly – exposed to carbon monoxide from an inadequately-ventilated propane water heater in a shower building…”
“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.”
“Neighbors told fire crews that the trailer’s propane-powered generator turned on in the middle of the night when the power went out. Once power was restored Monday afternoon, they observed that the generator was still running, which is when they went to check on the trailer and noticed an unconscious person.”
At 2:50pm, Cornelius Fire was dispatched to a reported unconscious patient at the Valley View Mobile Home Park on SW Tualatin Valley Highway. Medical crews arrived and found the patient partially conscious in a RV trailer. The patient was removed from the trailer and evaluated in an ambulance. Based on reports from bystanders, medical crews evaluated the patients carbon monoxide level in their bloodstream. The carbon monoxide level in the blood of 15 warrants being transported to the hospital, the patient in today’s incident had a level of 55. The patient needed specialty care at a Portland hospital, but due to weather damage closing Highway 26 into Portland, a Life Flight Network helicopter was used to transport the patient.
Neighbors noticed the propane powered generator turned on in the middle of the night when power went out for the trailer park, this power outage is likely due to the snow. Once power was restored late in the morning/early afternoon, the same neighbors noticed that the generator was still running. They became worried and went to check on the patient and found them unconscious, they immediately called 911. It was found that the exhaust pipe for the generator exits from the bottom of the RV. But there was skirting around the RV and likely didn’t allow the exhaust to freely vent into open air. This buildup of exhaust and carbon monoxide filled the RV. It is unknown exactly how long the patient was exposed to carbon monoxide.
If using generators during a power outage, make sure they have proper ventilation to the outside and never operate them in any enclosed area. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gar, this prevents it from being noticed. All houses should have a working carbon monoxide detector if natural gas, propane, wood burning or if a garage is attached to the structure.
“At 4:02 a.m., firefighters with the Newport News Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in the 1400 block of Waltham Lane. While investigating the alarm, a fire was discovered in a neighboring town home…
Investigators believe a working smoke alarm alerted the victim to the fire, but they were unable to get out of the house…the fire department identified the victim as 36-year-old Mia Evans, a Navy veteran who was working as a registered nurse in the area.”
“Fire officials later said after an investigation, they determined that the initial carbon monoxide response was directly related to the fire inside Evans’ home. When firefighters originally arrived on scene, officials say there was no outward indication of fire coming from her home.
As part of the response to carbon monoxide incidents, firefighters employ devices designed to detect hazardous gases. When they entered the neighbor’s apartment, their devices detected the presence of carbon monoxide in the air.
As they worked to find the source of the carbon monoxide, they checked neighboring homes and heard a smoke alarm sounding off from inside Evans’ apartment.
Crews went inside the home, encountering heavy smoke. They extinguished a fire on the first floor and found Evans unresponsive.”
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?’”
“Nurse and National HeRO awardee, Richard Hall of John Dingell VA in Detroit, enjoys talking to fellow Veterans and engaging during visits. He struck up a conversation with Veteran Larry Washington as he was leaving VA after noticing he had been to the ED multiple times over the last couple days.
Hall, an Emergency Department (ED) nurse, former firefighter and Navy Veteran, suggested that the Veteran have his carbon monoxide levels checked at his home…”
Have you ever thought about getting rid of your woodstove for a different heating option, but the cost seemed too high? Southwest Clean Air Agency might be able to help. SWCAA is offering grants of $400 to $6000 to help remove or replace old wood stoves.
Update on the source of the CO that caused the deaths of 7 members of a Minnesota family in their home last month:
“The two possible sources of carbon monoxide in the home were a van in the garage and the unit’s furnace. Further blood tests did not show the presence of blood cyanide, which would have indicated the vehicle was the source.”
If you own a rental, please ensure your tenants understand the lifesaving importance of maintaining CO alarms, especially if permanently installed CO hazards are onsite.
“Initially diagnosed as Meniere’s disease, the patient was investigated and followed up in the clinic. She reported leakage of carbon monoxide from her gas fire identified during a routine safety check. Her symptoms fully resolved after disconnecting the faulty gas fire. A rare cause of fluctuating hearing loss and vertigo is described, and the diagnostic challenges are discussed.”
“Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas. Each year, over 20,000 people in the United States are poisoned by carbon monoxide and nearly 450 people are killed.1,2,3 Carbon monoxide poisoning can be easy to diagnose when there is a history of exposure, but difficult when CO exposure is not suspected. We present a case of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning that was nearly missed due to a lack of screening in the field.”
“A middle-aged male was brought into the emergency department for a legal lab draw of carboxyhemoglobin levels while in police custody…
First responders play a vital role in identifying potential carbon monoxide poisonings based on their observations of the scene. This case report highlights potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
“Clare Castleman, a tenant at The Palladian at Fairhope, called maintenance after one of her alarms activated after running errands on March 25, 2019.
Maintenance determined a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector was the source of the alarm and then removed all the detectors from Castleman’s unit.
Hours later, Castleman died after being found unresponsive in her apartment.“
“‘I had been texting my mom and mentioned to her about them and how sick they were…She mentioned maybe checking to make sure no gas appliance vents were covered up on the outside of their house from the ice storm. Because that could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.’
Just to be safe, Fulford gave the couple a carbon monoxide detector…”
“News 4 wanted to know if fire and carbon monoxide detectors were inside the home. MDHA said they are responsible for having detectors on the property.
“The maintenance technician says that when he entered the unit that he noticed that the smoke-carbon monoxide detectors had been disabled and removed from their typical space…”
“Police say they found the bodies of Steven Sikes, 33, Julie Crawford, 31, and their two infant boys, both 9-months-old, dead… the family was trying to keep the home warm with a kerosene heater, which led to carbon monoxide poisoning after the family fell asleep with it on…”
“The carbon monoxide in Lindvig’s shop came from a natural gas heater. Lindvig told the Tribune that he called a technician who said the gas buildup likely was due to an issue with the chimney…he had taken detectors in his home that were about to reach the end of their lifespan and put them out in the shop, and they had enough life left to alert him and his wife…”
“On December 22 Sharon Cottrell got a phone call from her daughter, Danica Gilb, with a terrifying story. Two days earlier, on Monday, Gilb heard beeping noises coming from the first and second floors of her building. She tried to contact the property management but never got a response…”
“The victims — two parents, their three children, the father’s brother and the parents’ niece — were discovered in the house in Moorhead shortly before 8 p.m. Most were in their beds…
There are two known sources of carbon monoxide in the home, which was rented — a furnace in a room in the garage and a van in the garage…
There was a carbon monoxide detector in the home, but it was inside a laundry room cabinet with the battery removed…”
“Family members said the two men, ages 20 and 25, went out into the garage around 7 p.m. to listen to music…they had a vehicle running in the garage while they were listening to music.”
JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) — Five people, including a child, were hospitalized after a carbon monoxide incident in Queens.
It happened around 1:30 p.m. on 198th Street and 115th Avenue in Jamaica.
Firefighters and FDNY responded to the scene, where they discovered elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the building and in neighboring buildings.
Investigators say there were no working carbon monoxide detectors throughout the entire house. The buildingwas also illegally subdivided and carved into separate units — a deadly combination.
Neighbors two doors down fro the home fled, and say a number of children were put at risk, breathing in the colorless, odorless carbon monoxide.
“It’s really scary… it was just a panic,” said Justin Henderson.
First responders were originally called to the home after a resident lost consciousness. Paramedics treated five people and rushed them to Nassau County Medical Center.
“Portable generators are among the deadliest consumer products. Two decades after the government identified the danger, and as climate change leads to more power outages, people are left vulnerable by a system that lets the industry regulate itself.”
“Gail Amundsen and Murray Church, longtime residents of Point Roberts, were discovered dead in their home on Calder Drive on Thanksgiving Day evening.
Newly constructed, the couple had only moved into the house on August 9. According to the fire chief and WCSO, while the house had fire detectors, no CO monitors or alarms were found. Since 2011, all newly constructed homes in Washington state must have CO alarms installed adjacent to all bedrooms and on all floors.”
“A quick-thinking 9-year-old in Brockton, Massachusetts, is being credited with saving her family after her parents were overcome by carbon monoxide from a generator they had borrowed after the powerful nor’easter that swept through the area…”
What if myself or someone in my home is deaf or hard of hearing? There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed.
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