“In late 2019, air circulation problems shut down five operating rooms at the Fanny Allen campus, which conducted about 30 outpatient surgeries a day.
Carbon monoxide was found in the ventilation system, causing dizziness and nausea in staff. A similar issue in the building’s inpatient rehab area displaced 14 patients. After months of investigations, a brief attempt to reopen the OR and inpatient rehab unit and yet another poisoning incident in November 2020, Fanny Allen closed permanently last fall.“
Is CO in the air at your workplace? Your doctor’s office? The hospital where you’re having surgery? Is there CO detection installed to alert staff before you become injured?
“No one told him that another driver, Sandeep Brar, was found dead in the taxi less than 24 hours before, the court judgment read. The taxi was not inspected afterwards.
Mr Shahid was later found unconscious in the taxi, parked in a rank outside Crown casino. He had suffered a heart attack, hypoxia and an acquired brain injury.”
“…Cody Ware was forced to retire from the race through no fault of his own. Reports emerged that the driver was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and was close to blacking out.”
Months after the deadly gas killed at least 17 Texans during a massive winter storm, lawmakers have failed to take significant action to protect most of the state’s residents.
“Following a 911 call about a family that had fainted, first responders arrived at the house and knocked on the door. No one answered, so they left. Inside, an entire family was being poisoned by carbon monoxide.”
“…included in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill was a little-publicized provision (SCOPE ACT), tasking the federal government to finalize a rule that requires automakers to automatically shut off keyless vehicles after idling for a certain period of time.”
“Fire personnel located the room with the greatest concentration of the gas at 150 ppm. They discovered a detached exhaust pipe from a natural gas-fired hot water heater and determined the carbon monoxide…was being released in the room…If CO alarms were not present or not operating properly this incident could have surely proven fatal.
SHAES (South Haven Area Emergency Services) withheld the name and address of the hotel to preserve anonymity.”
“The fuel (propane) is believed to be behind both the Webb and Berne explosions, as well as the source of the carbon monoxide that sent 53 people from a Catskills sleepaway camp to local hospitals.”
“The U.S. hasn’t had as many boating-related deaths since 1998! There was a 25.1% increase in boating fatalities, compared to 2019. For the complete 2020 Recreation Fatality Report go to 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics (uscgboating.org)”
“U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Eagan, reintroduced last week the Safe Stay Act, which would require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in each hotel and motel room across the country…The Safe Stay Act would require the installation of compliant carbon monoxide alarms and detectors in every hotel and motel room nationwide, similar to requirements for smoke detectors and sprinklers. If enacted, the legislation would represent the first significant update to existing law dealing with fire safety rules in hotels and motels in three decades. To ensure compliance with the Safe Stay Act, hotels and motels would have to provide guests at check-in a written notice attesting that they are in compliance with the requirements of the Safe Stay Act. Failure to do so would be considered an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act, which helps protect consumers from substantial unavoidable injury.”
“Two months after the incident, the report from Technical Safety BC’s investigation pointed to an improperly installed propane refrigerator as the main source of the carbon monoxide. It had been installed in 2010 and was not certified for use in Canada, according to the report. The cabin was built in the 1950s and can only be accessed by water or a rough dirt road. It did not have a carbon monoxide detector.”
Keep your family safe by packing a CO alarm when traveling.
“The East-Central District Health Department said they were notified Thursday of a smoldering coal fire at the ADM plant in Columbus which had been burning for weeks. The Columbus Fire Department extinguished the fire now…officials warn, if you live near the facility or south of the loup canal — you are encouraged to install carbon monoxide detectors.” Every home should have CO alarms installed.
“Three men died and two others are in critical condition after authorities believe a generator too close to their camper led to carbon monoxide exposure…(fire official said) making sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and RV could save your life. He also said to be sure you are reading the instructions on generators to ensure they are safely being used.”
Bremerton, WA: “Thirty-three sailors assigned to the USS Michigan submarine were taken to the hospital Monday following potential exposure to exhaust from the boat’s diesel engine during maintenance work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.”
Charlotte, NC: “Around 4 a.m., fire crews responded to carbon monoxide alarms going off at an apartment complex…When they got there, firefighters heard the alarms and forced their way into an apartment on the second floor where they found a smoldering fire in the kitchen.”
“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)
“About 40 people were evacuated from the Comfort Suites in Freeport Tuesday morning after the gas-fired water heaters malfunctioned and caused a carbon monoxide leak. Firefighters arrived on scene around 9 a.m. A hotel maintenance worker noticed the leak Monday afternoon, but didn’t call 911.”
“The occupancy of the building has been deemed a serious hazard due to the installation of five natural gas-fired fuel water heaters that are not vented to the exterior of the building, according to the violation notice.
This results in the exhausting of carbon monoxide into the occupied building in quantities more than those deemed hazardous or fatal to human life, according to the notice. The heaters were installed without application, review, approval or inspection.“
VRBO to hosts: “We expect that you install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in every hallway near sleeping areas within your vacation rental.” This is openly accessible information on VRBO’s site.
“Frank A. Opaskar, 76, of Avon Lake, Christopher Kedas, 45, of Huron, and Owen Kedas, 11, of Huron, died aboard the boat found circling near the Cleveland crib water intake off the shore of downtown Cleveland. Coast Guard officials arrived about 6 p.m. and entered the boat by breaking out a window.”
MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Authorities responded to a carbon monoxide leak early Tuesday morning at the Westin Governor Morris…firefighters from the five Morris Township stations and Madison worked to locate the source and evacuate guests. Officials located readings on all floors and secured issues with the boiler…”
“Imagine suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, reporting it, and then being fired for seeking medical attention. Toxic work environment? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says yes.”
“At around 9:53 a.m. fire officials said that everyone in the 9-story Crown Plaza Hotel, located at 138-10 135th Avenue by JFK airport was being evacuated, as carbon monoxide levels reached 100-200ppm throughout the whole building — a “dangerous” level according to safety experts. One EMS member was hurt during the evacuation, and taken to Elmhurst Hospital…”
“We’ve been going through no wake zones with dangling feet in the water for as long as I can remember,” said Doug Taylor.
Afton was sitting in the back of the boat as it was moving at a slow speed in the no wake zone.
“I looked over [to see] if he was okay, he gave me a thumbs up, I went back to rolling up a rope to make sure everything was secure for the trip and then he was gone,” said Doug. “That was the last time we saw him before we had to identify his body.”
York County Fire & Life Safety Responds to a Gas Leak at the Embassy Suites Hotel—Mooretown Road in Bruton Area of York County
Late last night, personnel from the York County Department of Fire & Life Safety along with automatic mutual aid units from the James City County Fire Department and the Williamsburg Fire Department responded to a report of a gas leak at the Embassy Suites, located at 3006 Mooretown Road in the Bruton area of York County. Upon arrival, personnel entered the structure and discovered high levels of carbon monoxide and natural gas. Crews began to evacuate the hotel’s occupants. Additional medical resources were requested and a total of six patients were evaluated and/or treated at the scene, one of which was transported by medic unit to a local hospital. Crews secured the gas and ventilated the structure. The Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue responded specialized ventilation apparatus/equipment. Virginia Natural Gas responded to the scene and the cause of the situation is under investigation.
Upon completion of extension ventilation efforts and air quality returned to normal levels hotel guests and staff were allowed to return to the building. All fire/rescue units have since cleared the scene.
Questions can be directed to the York County Department of Fire & Life Safety at 757-890-3600.
“To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, some new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO gas builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, like a garage or carport. And some portable models are now designed to emit less CO in the first place.”
“The Coast Guard says the father was complaining of dizziness, the young teenage daughter had delirium and loss of motor function and the youngest daughter was unconscious.”
“When you’re playing in the water around boats, especially if it’s a calm day without any wind blowing, CO can sit on top of the water’s surface. This puts people in the water around boats at greater risk because their mouth is typically at the same level that CO sits on top of the water. In high enough concentrations of CO, only a few breaths can cause someone to pass out, and if they’re in the water, and not wearing a properly-fitted life jacket, they drown quickly and silently. Besides wearing a properly-fitted life jacket when playing in the water around boats, these are some other things that you need to know about CO poisoning when boating…”
“State officials already planned to demolish the building when the leak occurred. Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Director Judy Bradshaw told the Register that the building did not have a carbon monoxide detector, even though the Legislature had passed a law the previous summer requiring state buildings to have them. Bradshaw said at the time that she was not aware of the law.”
“In their desperation, thousands of Texans unwittingly unleashed deadly gases into homes and apartments that, in many cases, were not equipped with potentially lifesaving carbon monoxide alarms, resulting in the country’s “biggest epidemic of CO poisoning in recent history,” according to Dr. Neil Hampson, a retired doctor who has spent more than 30 years researching carbon monoxide poisoning and prevention. Two other experts agreed.”
“In a landmark ruling in December 2020, coroner Philip Barlow ruled that Ella was the first person in the UK – and likely the world – to have air pollution listed as a cause of death… Ella grew up near one of London’s busiest roads, where air quality frequently fell below UK standards and World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines…”
Wilkes-Barre, PA – “Nearly seven years after the mysterious death of Laurie Merritt, the unsolved case is getting a fresh review. Merritt, a 51-year-old U.S. Postal Service employee, died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a fire at her home in Wilkes-Barre on April 14, 2014.”
Houston, TX – “In January 2019, a worker at a Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in Waller alerted their employer that exposure to carbon monoxide made them ill and asked the employer to call an ambulance. In addition to refusing the worker’s request, the employer allegedly threatened to terminate the employee. After going to the hospital, the worker was terminated.”
NFPA’s “…updated messaging (includes) directing people to choose hotel/motels that are protected by smoke and CO alarms, as well as sprinklers, and recommends the use of travel CO alarms…”
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.”
Following this story to see if more detail is released about the source of the CO and the alarm situation. Concerning that there might have been an issue with being able to hear the alarms.
“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.”
“Relatives of two East Texas residents have joined an existing wrongful death lawsuit filed in Harris County district court against the state’s grid manager and electricity providers, charging that their failure to prepare and negligent management of the electricity supply during winter storm blackouts caused their tragic deaths.”
“Why was the situation in Texas so extreme? It likely was related…to a lack of government regulation…only three states (Hawaii, Missouri, and Texas) do not require installation of carbon monoxide alarms in residences.”
“…the victims were using a generator for electricity, and they had put it on their porch…too close to the house, and its exhaust got hot enough that it burned a hole into the home’s siding…carbon monoxide then leaked into the home and caused the deaths”
HOUSTON – Houstonians and others desperate to heat their homes without power poisoned themselves in record numbers on Tuesday by running cars or generators in the garage and grills in the home, emergency officials said.
“Crews in Gladstone say six people are being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning early Tuesday morning after a generator was being used inside the basement of a home.”
If your power is out, don’t use fuel/gas/charcoal burning camping equipment inside your home (or your tent) and always have CO alarms with battery backup.
“…three adults and four children get transported to Salem Hospital….cooking with a propane cooker inside the house…those seven people were all unconscious when first responders arrived…the children were revived on the scene, but two of the three adults were in critical condition at last check.”
An update on this very sad story from a few months ago…
“When we bought this house we bought new detectors. When we were changing the batteries and testing it, we thought we had been doing right, when in fact [our units] expired,”
Do you know the age of the alarms in your home? The sensors contained in both smoke alarms and CO alarms have a limited lifespan. The manufacture date can be found on the back of the alarm. When you buy new alarms, using a sharpie to write the date of purchase on the side of the alarm allows it to be easily seen.
“A woman who was living at a homeless encampment set up in a private resident’s yard died Sunday morning from what the camp organizer believes was carbon monoxide poisoning she got after trying to keep her tent warm.”
“After the first incident, officials could find no elevated levels of CO in the apartment. The new boiler checked out fine. After the second incident…Norwich Public Utilities, the city Building Department and the Yantic Fire Engine Co. No. 1 combed the apartment, turning on each appliance and checking…They discovered the gas stove had a hidden flaw — a clogged gas nozzle — that caused incomplete combustion as the oven was operating.”
“In addition to installing CO detectors, every hotel should establish preventative maintenance schedules to properly maintain and inspect CO emitting equipment and their ventilation systems. They should also provide the necessary training education to their staff and especially their maintenance staff. Hotels should have knowledgeable engineers on staff and contract out maintenance of HVAC systems. Hotel franchisors need to fully understand the risk of CO poisoning and take a proactive stance to protect the guests who are sleeping in their hotels.”
“Valid evidence exists from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that CO poisoning is a risk to flight crew and passengers of piston powered aircraft. First there are numerous accident reports, both fatal and non-fatal…”
Australia – “The crash investigator recommended that the Australian safety regulator mandate carbon monoxide detectors in all piston-engine planes that alert pilots through an alarm or flashing lights. The investigator noted that no other country has mandated such devices.”
WAKEFIELD, Neb. — “Five people were hospitalized after a carbon monoxide incident at a bowling alley on Main Street in Wakefield Friday night. Shortly before 10:30 p.m. Friday, Wakefield Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the establishment at 311 Main St., “for a suspected gas leak with people down,” according to a press release from the Dixon County Sheriff’s Office.”
“Eight adults and 14 children were hospitalized on Thursday after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning at a Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) swimming pool in Tainan, southern Taiwan.”
North Carolina – “At about 7:30 p.m., Kannapolis Fire responded to a call to the facility, and upon arrival, found one person who had passed out due to exposure to carbon monoxide…”
This family’s experience is an important reminder to make sure to have BOTH smoke and CO alarms in your home These alarms look similar…double check if you’re not sure. And while you’re up there, test/change the batteries and check the manufacture date on the alarm CO alarms should be replaced after 7 years, and smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
MENU
