LIGONIER, IN –
“My six-year-old came back and said, ‘Mommy, there’s something wrong with the boys. They’re laying down,’” Amy said. “I just ran.”
https://www.kpcnews.com/newssun/article_8f5a35e0-7fad-53df-a8d4-9453bd200583.html
Kate Bond Middle School, Cordova, TN –
Stamford, CT –
Donnelly, ID
New Smyrna Beach, FL –
Selma, NC – “They put a generator in their crawl space under the house for heat. They propped a door open so it would have ventilation. The wind shut the door, though, forcing carbon monoxide up into the house.”
https://www.cbs17.com/news/local-news/johnston-county-news/johnston-county-family-talks-about-barely-surviving-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/?fbclid=IwAR3-v1i2YpcYyfRt7bIWV9ZothNOcek92Ajb9HgoReNIuVpz1TOzwvNtI6A
Long Island, NY – “Firefighters say illegally installed heaters are to blame for a carbon monoxide leak in an apartment building…”
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/apd-officer-poisoned-by-carbon-monoxide-on-the-job-may-have-to-medically-retire/?fbclid=IwAR1tsApI953wCjesJ2jx7HvZUPG-uk2tHjpTXh1irr5HE0egnsWTsWgYcSQ
South Beach, FL – Shore Club Hotel
“The utility realized it was sending out the wrong mixture of gas to air to appliances such as boilers, clothes dryers, and stoves, with too much natural gas being sent out into the supply line. That type of mix could lead to carbon monoxide leaking into homes and businesses…” Businesses affected included the Marriott Hotel on Railroad Street.
“Susan C. Livingston turned her grief over her parents’ (Sherry Penney and James Livingston) deaths last May into advocacy by working with longtime friend and state Rep. Lori Ehrlich to push for legislation mandating engine shutoff software for keyless ignition vehicles.”
Durham, NC
Investigators say carbon monoxide may be to blame for the deaths of 68-year-old Roger Dennis and 63-year-old Myles Correia.
“HUD’s health and safety inspection of the complex wouldn’t have required a check for carbon monoxide detectors, since they are not mandatory in the federally subsidized properties…”
Forbes – by Judy Stone, MD
A unique look at what it’s like to be poisoned by carbon monoxide in your hotel room. Thankfully these victims survived, however their experience highlights some of the many unaddressed questions of CO safety in hotels…namely, who is watching out for us when we check in?
More on this issue in Durham, NC –
“California and other cities on the East Coast and Texas have passed laws restricting or banning vent-free models, requiring gas fireplaces to have outdoor vents — though older homes in those cities and states may still have them.”
Durham, NC – McDougald Terrace housing complex
“As cold winter temperatures arrive, you’ll probably use your airplane’s heater extensively. Here’s how cracks in your muffler could cause in-flight carbon monoxide poisoning, and what you can do to avoid it…”
Followup to the tragic story of a Kennewick, Washington, man, David Dana, who lost his life due to carbon monoxide poisoning in his van.
https://www.rvtravel.com/new-details-shed-light-on-mr-heater-death/?fbclid=IwAR3-TlUZUnjxOKBXzp4x0gNC5X_IrTVcAb9cAnmPDZqr3fkSpKk1MnPkQik
North Syracuse, NY
https://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/guests-evacuated-at-candlewood-suites-hotel-after-carbon-monoxide-scare/?fbclid=IwAR1Oe25r2gqqkLe45EAiZLFwLiUOvJOcsgIhtjrUenR0wIw6-KjNlAZ-j3M
Spokane, WA – “…residents were using three generators that were on the roof near the unit’s windows to power portable space heaters and other electronic devices…exhaust from the generators vented back into the cracked windows, causing increased levels of dangerous carbon monoxide to accumulate”
Comstock, MI – “Standing in the fire station where he spent more than four decades, retired Comstock Fire Chief Walter Culver warned of the importance of having working carbon monoxide monitors. The former chief said he became a testimony of that importance after carbon monoxide threatened his own life.”
Queens, NY –
ELMHURST, QUEENS — A Queens McDonald’s was evacuated midday Wednesday after a report of high carbon monoxide levels, according to the FDNY.
The fast food chain at 80-03 Queens Blvd. was evacuated just after 2 p.m., a Fire Department spokesperson said.
No injuries have been reported, but FDNY units are still on the scene.
How to stay safe from CO poisoning:
1. Have CO alarms with fresh batteries
2. Know the sound of your alarm when it’s alerting to CO in the air (push the test button to hear the 4-beep pattern)
3. If you ever hear the alarm alerting to CO, get outside to fresh air and call 911 (CO can render you confused/unconscious/DEAD if you remain inside trying to open windows and search out the cause of the alarm – don’t take chances with your life)
Kennewick, WA
Carbon monoxide sickens passengers at DC holiday boat parade
Spokane, WA –
As it gets colder, more people head inside with their windows and doors shut and their furnaces, stoves and fireplaces turned up high.
But Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said it’s prime time for carbon monoxide emergencies. In fact, there have been several in Spokane over the last few months.
The most recent incident happened at Luna, a restaurant on the South Hill. Chief Schaeffer said firefighters were called because someone reported feeling sick.
He said firefighters wear CO detectors, and as soon as they walked in, the detectors started going off, which meant the carbon monoxide level was too high.
A woman was taken to the hospital and the restaurant was evacuated.
It turned out the issue was a stove that wasn’t properly ventilating.
KHQ reached out to Luna. They didn’t want to be part of this story, but said the situation has been resolved.
Chief Schaeffer said there’s an easy way to prevent a similar situation from happening in your own home.
“This is the time of year to be proactive and make sure your CO detector is installed correctly, or that it has a battery backup,” Chief Schaeffer said.
He said everyone needs to have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector on every floor of a home. They’re available on Amazon for less than $15.
It’s also important to note that if you’re renting an AirBnB, make sure to ask about carbon monoxide detectors. A study has showed that while 80 percent of them usually have smoke detectors, less than 50 percent usually have carbon monoxide detectors.
Salem, MA
Always carry your own CO alarm when you travel
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/12/03/anna-faris-family-carbon-monoxide-close-call-north-tahoe/
No deaths and no injuries at this sorority house at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln…they had CO alarms, and they evacuated to fresh air and called 911 when they heard them going off. A model of what all CO exposure incidents should look like.
https://www.pe.com/2019/11/29/hemet-pd-2-found-dead-in-motel-room-with-very-high-levels-of-carbon-monoxide/
Toledo, OR – This woman is lucky to be alive after leaving her keyless ignition vehicle running in her garage. Another example of why it’s so important to have CO alarms in your home…one on every level and near all sleeping areas.
Does everyone in your home know the difference between the sound of a smoke alarm and a CO alarm? Does your babysitter?
https://pinecreek.triblive.com/carbon-monoxide-leak-nearly-disastrous-for-richland-family/
Grand Blanc Township, MI – A story with a happy ending..carbon monoxide alarms save lives!
Omaha, NE – “Officials say they found a man collapsed in the pool basement…”
https://www.ketv.com/article/man-exposed-to-high-levels-of-carbon-monoxide-at-coco-keys/29821101
Dallas, TX – CO alarms provide an immediate alert when someone makes a life threatening mistake, like using a grill indoors. Hopefully these people are all okay and have no long term effects.
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/11/13/10-hospitalized-carbon-monoxide-exposure-propane-grill-church/
https://www.cars.com/articles/how-to-tell-if-a-car-has-an-exhaust-leak-1420663031704/
Tragic story out of Milwaukee, WI – both victims only 20-years-old
https://fox6now.com/2019/11/11/medical-examiner-exhaust-on-vehicle-where-young-couple-found-dead-was-rusted-possibly-leaking/
Rochester, MN – This man is lucky to have survived this incident…running gas powered equipment in an enclosed space can kill you in minutes…
https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2019/11/08/i-made-a-stupid-mistake-89-year-old-wants-carbon-monoxide-scare-to-be-a-warning-to-others/
Belmont Buckingham Apartments – Denver, CO
“I came home one night and I heard a faint alarm, but I didn’t know where it was coming from,” said Sharon Okechukwu, “I could hear it say ‘carbon monoxide.’”
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/11/08/denver-fire-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-alarm/
Hingham, MA –
“Chipotle Mexican Grill at Hingham Derby Street Shops and the building it is attached to was evacuated Monday morning due to a carbon monoxide leak…one of the rooftop heating units was not working correctly and letting carbon monoxide into the restaurant.
The neighboring businesses had high carbon monoxide levels as well, so the fire department evacuated the entire building.”
Great Falls, MT – This man is lucky to be alive. Running a generator indoors can kill you in literally minutes. Always operate them outside, at least 20 feet from occupied spaces.
Heartbreaking story out of Weleetka, Oklahoma. So important to teach kids about the dangers of CO. Never use a generator indoors – they should be at least 20 feet away from all living spaces. Does your travel trailer have a CO alarm?
https://ktul.com/news/local/2-teens-dead-in-okfuskee-county-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning
“Firefighters were called to the meetinghouse at 650 E. Stadium Ave. in Provo just after 11 a.m. Sunday. They later learned that a boiler problem had sent a buildup of carbon monoxide into the church…Firefighters measured the carbon monoxide in the air at the church at 400 to 500 ppm…Of the 60 people treated, 24 underwent hyperbaric treatment, a therapy where people with carbon monoxide poisoning are put in a chamber filled with pure oxygen”
CO poisoning at Provo church serves as reminder of cold weather risks – Deseret News
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. —
“Several businesses in Commerce City were forced to evacuate on Friday after a carbon monoxide scare sent two people to the hospital.
The scare happened inside Chihua’s Menuderia Y Taqueria Mexican Restaurant along East 72nd Avenue around 9:15 a.m.”
https://kdvr.com/news/local/2-employees-sickened-by-carbon-monoxide-inside-commerce-city-restaurant/
Baton Rouge, LA
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/article_9334e666-e11e-11e9-9c96-5b6549e30528.html
Home2 Suites by Hilton – Columbus, OH
Check out this 1928 US Bureau of Mines silent film, “Carbon Monoxide Hazard from Automobile Exhaust”
We are excited to be kicking off our annual CO awareness effort in local elementary schools as part of Fire Prevention Week! This year will include hands-on activities focused on the lifesaving value of CO alarms at both Mint Valley Elementary and Robert Gray Elementary…followed by a free CO alarm distribution event at the Longview Fire Department Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2019. A big thank you to the principals and teachers at these schools for their participation…and to our local business sponsors (who will be recognized here on our website as well as our Facebook page) who make this project possible.
The real world of CO poisoning…
Glendale, WI –
“North Shore Fire says four people were treated on scene with two rushed to the hospital…’I’m not sure how long each of those employees was here but obviously progressing over the entire shift, being exposed to those levels could be fatal,’ Capt. Dan Tyk said….Firefighters said the highest levels of carbon monoxide were measured at 500 parts per million. Investigators said the oven hood wasn’t venting properly. ”
Just published in Preventive Medicine Reports…The Jenkins Foundation’s spreadsheet of hotel CO incidents helps add to 30 years (1989-2018) of published, publicly accessible data regarding CO poisoning in U.S. hotels. Thanks to leading CO researchers Dr. Neil Hampson, Dr. Lindell Weaver, and Kayla Deru, victims of these incidents now have a collective voice in the effort to bring attention to the to lack of universal requirements for CO detection in hotel buildings.
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Hampton Inn – Myrtle Beach SC
https://www.wbtw.com/news/broadway-at-the-beach-hotel-evacuated-again-after-carbon-monoxide-leak-reported/?fbclid=IwAR0NLcVKn8we4-f_JxRB06e8SuZg8s3L3jj-CxJw0HWhf48BXDbl4jyviNo
Chicago, IL – NEVER USE PORTABLE GAS TOOLS INDOORS
Lees-McRae College – Banner Elk, NC
Hampton Inn – Myrtle Beach, SC
Several businesses were evacuated, and four people evaluated, after carbon monoxide was detected Monday afternoon at Columbia Square, the strip mall anchored by Chuck’s Produce in east Vancouver.
Emergency crews were dispatched at 4:25 p.m. to 13215 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd. Readings revealed carbon monoxide levels were above normal, Vancouver firefighter-spokeswoman Eva Scherer said. The four people evaluated for symptoms of exposure declined transport to a hospital.
The call originated from an alarm at a Supercuts barbershop, and nine businesses were affected, Scherer said. Chuck’s Produce was not among the businesses evacuated.
An “oily” or exhaust-like odor was reported, said Bob Sisson, owner of Kazoodles toy store at the east end of the shopping mall. Sisson said it appeared the issue started inside a vacant storefront near Supercuts. Workers left the space about 3:30 p.m.
https://www.columbian.com/news/2019/aug/26/scanner-carbon-monoxide-reported-at-shopping-mall/
Cresskill, NJ – running lawnmower in trailer
Chicago, IL – condominium pool
Sturgis, South Dakota
The PARK IT Act…an acronym for ‘Protecting Americans from the Risks of Keyless Ignition Technology’ Act
https://www.koin.com/news/washington/wsp-troopers-sue-ford-over-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/?fbclid=IwAR0gpS8ZszXlyIKKfkGGB_9dcn4Dhcp6zwZA9Yju8Tf0-AL07YBCUvI3fdg
Brooklyn, NY –
WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (WABC) — One person is dead and four others were sickened after apparent carbon monoxide exposure in a Brooklyn building.
Emergency responders were called to 211 Jackson Street in East Williamsburg around 6:10 a.m. and found five people unconscious.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, and four others were taken to the hospital in serious but non-life threatening conditions.
The FDNY has evacuated the building as well as an adjoining property 207 Jackson Street.
Officials said a generator was found in use at the scene, but the incident remains under investigation.
The FDNY said the victims were exposed to a carbon monoxide level of 250 parts per million. Levels over 70 ppm are considered dangerous.
The affected property is for sale and vacant, so the FDNY said the victims appear to be squatters.
https://abc7ny.com/williamsburg-brooklyn-carbon-monoxide-leak/5439951/
Hilton Garden Inn – Estero, FL
Insignia Hotel, Brooklyn, NY – another example of how CO exposure is not always related to a fuel burning appliance
Quality Inn & Suites – Butte, Montana
San Joaquin County, California – a tragic reminder of the lifesaving necessity of having a CO alarm on board your boat…
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/video/4121332-houseboat-tragedy-father-daughter-found-dead/
“…construction at a store inside the mall caused the leak…Amy Towne, the manager at the luggage store Tumi, said she was rushed to the emergency room after falling ill at work.
‘Around noon-ish I wasn’t feeling well. I was feeling really tired, dizzy, lightheaded, and nauseous,’ Towne explained. ‘It wasn’t until the fire department showed up in the store, which was after 1:30 p.m. that we were told there were high levels of carbon monoxide in our building and we had to evacuate.'”
Short Pump store manager treated for carbon monoxide poisoning during evacuation (wtvr.com)
Best Western hotel, Asheville, North Carolina
Cody Ware Doing Much Better After Suffering Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Sonoma
“…with the advances in technology, there’s no reason for every one of these cars and trucks to go out there with a sensor in the cockpit that will alert the driver and send a signal to NASCAR when carbon monoxide levels get too high…”
“Case Studies in Hotel Carbon Monoxide Poisonings: How Safe is Your Hotel Room?”
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nfpa/journal_20190506/index.php?startid=72#/74
Carbon Monoxide Poisonings – Is a Silent Killer Lurking in Hotel Rooms?
NFPA Conference & Expo – June 2019
For more information about the Jenkins Foundation, please visit our website and Facebook page:
https://thejenkinsfoundation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thejenkinsfoundation/
Spreadsheet – U.S. Hotel/Motel Carbon Monoxide Incidents 1967 – to date
https://thejenkinsfoundation.com/hotel-co-incidents/
Interactive map of spreadsheet data
https://www.insightrisk.com/resources/carbon-monoxide-hotels/
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Motels, Hotels, and Resorts (1989 – 2004)
Lindell K. Weaver, MD; Kayla Deru, BA
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17572307
Cherry-red skin not a reliable indicator of CO poisoning
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11563729
https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS014067360579810X.pdf
Diffusion of Carbon Monoxide Through Gypsum Wallboard
Neil B. Hampson, MD; Todd G. Courtney, BS; James R. Holm, MD
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1730499
http://neilhampson.com/carbon-monoxide.html
Myth busting in carbon monoxide poisoning
Neil B. Hampson, MD
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26632018
For more information on the cases featured in this presentation:
Daryl & Shirley Jenkins/Jeannie & Jeffrey Williams
2013 – Boone, NC
Bruce & Joan Plagman/Betty & Mary Bishop
1967 – Boston Heights, OH
https://www.ohio.com/article/20121112/NEWS/311129370
Walt & Molly Weber
1995 – Mammoth Lakes, CA
A Normal Life: A Sister’s Odyssey Through Brain Injury by Lyrysa Smith
Boughter Family
2006 – Ocean City, MD
https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2006-07-11-0607110198-story.html
Bryan Douglas-Watts
2017 – Niles, MI
https://abc7chicago.com/news/hotel-co-leak-kills-13-year-old-boy-attending-birthday-party/1832154/
David & Patricia Ivie
2017 – Perryton, TX
Why Are Guests Still Dying from Hotel Gas Leaks?
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article196353719.html
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL —
“One person was taken to the hospital after exhaust from a Zamboni machine lead to elevated carbon monoxide levels at the Crystal Lake Ice House on Saturday, fire officials said. Authorities initially responded to the ice rink, at 320 E. Prairie Street, for an EMS call at about 1:40 p.m. While at the scene, fire officials determined there were elevated carbon monoxide levels in the building, which houses three ice rinks, according to a news release from the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department. At the time, the ice rinks were being used for a hockey tournament…”
https://patch.com/illinois/crystallake/zamboni-blame-carbon-monoxide-incident-fire-officials
Unresponsive male and another victim taken to the hospital from Days Inn in Erie, PA…
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190525/carbon-monoxide-leak-sickens-2-forces-evacuation-of-hotel
Sad story out of Canada…and an important reminder to NEVER BRING A BBQ OR FUEL BURNING EQUIPMENT INTO YOUR TENT…
Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dead in Mexico City
Travelodge by Wyndham in Gillette, WY…
The Campbell County Fire Department responded to the following incidents:
This is an update to the story about the Reitter family of 4 who were fatally poisoned in their Genoa Township, OH, home earlier this month…source of CO determined to be a recently installed water heater…
This is an update to story of Sarasota, FL, couple found dead in home…source of CO determined to be a vehicle left running in attached garage…CO ALARMS SAVE LIVES – do you have them to protect you in your home?
http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/hazmat-response-to-sarasota-home
Comfort Inn Suites in Omaha, NE….
https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/omaha-hotel-evacuated-due-to-carbon-monoxide-concerns
Important info if you are a boat owner…CO is a danger while boating and swimming nearby…
NEVER use gas tools in an enclosed area – they emit high levels of CO that can incapacitate and kill within minutes…
Heartbreaking story…CO symptoms mimic the flu…CO alarms alert you as soon as you are in danger…
https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/05/01/alexis-arrieta-carbon-monoxide-commerce-city-poisoning/
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/viessmann-recalls-boilers-due-to-carbon-monoxide-hazard
Powerful video and story of how quickly CO can overcome an entire family if there’s no CO alarm to give an early alert…https://www.wsls.com/news/virginia/highlands/family-survives-after-poisonous-gas-fills-home?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar
A family from Ft. Washington, MD, are thankful their old CO alarm – discarded in a box – alerted them to CO leak after a security company replaced it with only a smoke alarm…https://wjla.com/features/7-on-your-side/family-close-call-carbon-monoxide-leaked-into-home
School closed as students test positive for carbon monoxide at Crestview Elementary School in Waldport, Oregon…https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2019/04/classes-canceled-at-oregon-coast-school-after-students-test-positive-for-carbon-monoxide.html
Six years ago today, Daryl and Shirley Jenkins lost their lives to CO poisoning in a hotel room while on vacation in Boone, NC. In memory of them and the thousands of other victims who have been injured and/or died in U.S. hotels of this very preventable cause, we shared a series of four posts on The Jenkins Foundation Facebook page…https://www.facebook.com/thejenkinsfoundation/
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