“It’s hard to accept the fact that we showed up in such a quick fashion, yet we were unable to save even one life in this building,” Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan said…Officials believe the dogs likely died due to smoke inhalation. Hardt wishes the pet resort had a sprinkler and carbon monoxide system in place that could have possibly saved the dogs lives.”
75 dogs die in pet resort fire in Texas (wcax.com)
“It was 10 years ago this week that five people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a recreational vehicle at Clarksville Speedway after they ran a generator that leaked into their small, rented camper.
The investigation results showed the RV had a carbon monoxide detector inside, but the batteries were dead.
The five people killed were Timothy Stone, 39; James Wall, 38; Jonathan Over and Kathryn Over, both age 27; and Allison Bagwell-Wyatt, 32. The five victims left behind 13 young children.”
Clarksville woman’s mission: Carbon monoxide awareness | Legislation | mainstreetclarksville.com
State’s largest hospital, UVM Medical Center, asks for $204 million increase – VTDigger
Melbourne courts: Taxi driver awarded $1.5 million after carbon monoxide leak (theage.com.au)
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the single biggest health hazards a NASCAR driver faces.
“…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.”
SHOCKING: NASCAR Driver Retires Mid-Race Amid Health Reasons – EssentiallySports
“It’s a $20 object, and their generator was $800,” Curley said. “If they had that, my children and their mother would still be here.”
“…the generator was new, with its box still inside of the house.”
Entire Family Dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Hurricane Ida Takes Out Power (newsweek.com)
Sending your child off to college?
Remember to pack a CO alarm
A CO alarm or combination smoke/CO alarm with a 10-year sealed battery is a great option“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.”
“Half of the Family Just Disappeared Overnight” — ProPublica
“…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.”
Bellevue woman turns personal tragedy into federal legislation (3newsnow.com)
E:\BILLS\S2947.IS (safetyresearch.net)
“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.”
South Haven emergency team evacuates hotel due to carbon monoxide (msn.com)
“If you own a boat it is strongly recommended that you get and install a carbon monoxide alarm if you don’t already have one.”
How carbon monoxide poisoning can affect boaters and swimmers – KYMA
New York –
“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.”
2 explosions, and gas leak lead back to one thing – propane (timesunion.com)
“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.”
Burnaby, B.C., Canada –
“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.
Syracuse, NY – “…CO levels in the warehouse were ultimately attributed to a condition created by battery chargers.”
Syracuse Fire Department responds to warehouse for high carbon monoxide levels | WSYR (localsyr.com)
Brooklyn, MI –
“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.”
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Boating Is a Rare, But Hidden Danger | Inside Edition
Jefferson, NY –
Jefferson, NY: “Schoharie county officials who responded say the cause was due to a faulty hot water heater…”
Important information – applies to hotels as well. Don’t take your family’s safety for granted when traveling.
As Family Vacations Resume, CPSC Warns of Safety Hazards in Vacation Rental Homes (prnewswire.com)
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.”
Sailors taken to hospital for diesel exhaust exposure at shipyard (kitsapsun.com)
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.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in woman’s east Charlotte apartment death – WSOC TV
Here’s a look at some new and notable laws that take effect July 1 in Virginia (wtvr.com)
Comfort Suites – Freeport, Maine
“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.”
4 hospitalized after CO leak firefighters didn’t know about until next day in Freeport | WGME
South Point motel ordered closed due to violations | News | herald-dispatch.com
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.
Five Vacation Rental Safety Essentials (expediagroup.com)
Cuyahoga County, OH –
“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.”
Family: Owner of boat where 3 were killed was trading it in (news5cleveland.com)
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…”
Carbon Monoxide Leaks At Hotel In Greater Morristown | Morristown, NJ Patch
“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.”
Skip the Headache: If Employee Needs Ambulance, Call One – EHS Daily Advisor (blr.com)
“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.”
“You have somewhere between 10 to 15 cars idling, engines running, exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide being exposed in an inside garage…”
https://www.wxxv25.com/2021/06/03/gas-leak-comfort-inn-suites-gulfport-sends-five-hospital/
“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 pilot’s ability to safely operate the aircraft was significantly reduced by reasons of high levels of carbon monoxide in the cabin.”
Critical information, especially this time of year. Please share. Know about CO danger on and around boats…another reason to always wear a life jacket
“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.”
Buffalo, NY – “Investigators believe the cause of the higher than normal carbon monoxide levels was due to an issue with an ice resurfacing machine.”
“The Federal Aviation Administration had recommended, but did not require, single-engine airplanes to install carbon monoxide detectors.”
https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/ford-explorer-co-leak-settlement-183527/?fbclid=IwAR0yWdw_07bUbQEtXzMsZpz1AXvEpzzbt3AfxY6B5laR0B4qLxUvNMwm6AA
https://fox8.com/news/4-people-hospitalized-following-carbon-monoxide-leak-at-cuyahoga-falls-hotel/?fbclid=IwAR3zcbwTxByWYNRwusXPDX9ZjV4Ks-Y_Dd_Ube3_JQty-Y7-zoe4_7kSNEs
“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.”
https://www.pahomepage.com/news/officials-consider-next-steps-as-mine-fire-burns-hundreds-of-feet-underground/?fbclid=IwAR22XeL6ZwG2sfbk5DMReVAHrc7HdzpqtGJ0FDBDQo_i5Y4qcP1b9pDCx5k
“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…”
Coroner calls for air pollution law change following death of Ella Kissi-Debrah
“Nine workers were taken to three different hospitals because the hyperbaric facilities needed for treatment have limited capacity.”
Great story.
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.”
Jackson Hole, WY – “Workplace fatality stresses need for carbon monoxide detectors in homes, businesses.”
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.”
Fayetteville, NC – “The detection of carbon monoxide Thursday morning, prompting the evacuation of cafeteria staff at Brentwood Elementary School…”
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.
Lucky guy. 3-part news story that gives a whole new appreciation for the risks associated with buying as-is cars.
“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.”
“A new Fire Protection Research Foundation report highlights the nation’s enduring CO problem”
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nfpa/journal_2021spring/index.php?startid=20#/p/20
“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.”
Carbon monoxide detector issue in River Terrace unaddressed for days
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.”
“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…”
https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Carbon_Monoxide_Poisoning#Sources_of_Carbon_Monoxide_in_Aviation
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.”
Other media sources report cause of CO leak was a gas stove left on for over 24 hours.
Tennis Star Vitas Gerulaitis Tragically Died in a Bizarre Incident of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Residents Evacuate La Jolla Assisted Living Center Due to Carbon Monoxide Leak
https://www.woodtv.com/news/kent-county/alarm-alerts-wyoming-family-to-carbon-monoxide/?fbclid=IwAR2FaRzizI9YhYnAExzb9nOhEGA4DKilYyBjP-bS9MLRUxqn56qINxEIGYo
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.”
“Texas Gas Service said the carbon monoxide monitors in the area also went off”!! 
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/gas-leak-at-east-austin-elementary-school-friday-aisd-tells-students-to-stay-home/?fbclid=IwAR1mll2QMAEUqbO6kc4fxMBn1yEXknuKglv_RsyNBtqoYwnl9pDRPuCIK9Q
“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.
A somber reminder of the importance of safely using generators and having working carbon monoxide alarms in your home
MENU