NFPA – Fire safety in your home away from home

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…”
Music to our ears ❤️
https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/Safety-Source/Blog-Posts/2021/03/26/Fire-safety-in-your-home-away-from-home?fbclid=IwAR3bmNrhop2nOZX2zBFjTJcogIHnO7nDQHE4cO-C96bq_T54rG5-OsTPNnQ#.YGZhwEBtdz8.facebook

Editorial: Lawmakers CO detector law fix will protect kids

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.”

https://www.pilotonline.com/opinion/editorials/vp-ed-editorial-carbon-monoxide-law-0324-20210323-saofix5vgrczjb5oeao5okg2ye-story.html?fbclid=IwAR3BtPr4bClt6sb3K-OLmJYL-hmpK8QQYfxY2Hq0lsGVaB8svMNkOn4DvFw

Do you think Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection requirements are adequate in your town?

“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.”

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2021/03/17/Do-you-think-Carbon-Monoxide-detection-requirements-are-adequate-in-your-town?fbclid=IwAR0dmFUhUiOseekbZkanEDO1YhmGeLZL9TEiCIak3J97tidB1h3KJIlM6NM#.YGVDT3upDvg.facebook

NFPA Journal: General Negligence

“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

Planning a trip? Consider the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels, motels

“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.”

https://www.nkytribune.com/2021/02/keven-moore-planning-a-trip-consider-the-risks-of-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-hotels-motels/?fbclid=IwAR0lFyNGLyq2-QadQJahhXYEriHWTRh2Ku4QnY3fyvCd7ypQH1kFLY_jX2Q

CO Detection: What It Is and Why We Need It

Wakefield bowling alley carbon monoxide incident leads to hospitalizations

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.”

https://www.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43148758/reported-gas-leak-at-wakefield-bowling-alley-leads-to-hospitalizations?fbclid=IwAR1X8Sopkucnhu9wJvL9UXEVaIlX6ThhDp4oQ7shgJZSZu0m7a1iK3wqMAQ

Amazon facility evacuated after employee passes out due to carbon monoxide leak

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…”

https://independenttribune.com/news/local/amazon-facility-evacuated-after-employee-passes-out-due-to-carbon-monoxide-leak/article_743f0dce-5033-11eb-992a-8315f3b55789.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR2UwC4W6AtfKr3EI6ZQszdMU6QdSQk60shllZDYhM45ofXvdVVcnCGuqDU

 

Carbon monoxide gas kills two people in Brooklyn apartment

Brooklyn, NY –

Two people were killed after being poisoned by carbon monoxide in an apartment building in Brooklyn Monday evening, fire officials said.

The two victims, identified by police sources as adult men, were sickened by the gas in a basement apartment on Avenue O near West 4th Street in Bensonhurst at about 7:40 p.m., authorities said.

Firefighters responded to the apartment and declared the two victims dead at the scene, fire officials said.

Four other people were treated at the scene, but did not require hospitalization, the FDNY said.

A man who lives on the second floor of the building said Monday night that he was dizzy and had a headache this weekend.

“We were getting headaches from Saturday night to overnight to Sunday,” the tenant, 27-year-old Carlos Hernandez, said. “From the morning when we woke up there was just dizziness and headaches.”

Hernandez said he felt so unwell that he went to a hospital to get a coronavirus test, which came back negative.

“Thankfully we had the window open at that point,” he said.

The cause of the leak is under investigation, but a police source said it did not appear suspicious. The buildings department was also investigating the cause, a spokesperson said.

https://nypost.com/2020/11/02/carbon-monoxide-gas-kills-two-people-in-brooklyn-apartment/

 

 

At least 3 dead of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at Port Arthur business

Texas –

“…it happened at Bida Vinh pool hall, 720 9th Avenue…preliminary information indicates several people needed a place to stay and they were staying inside the business. A generator had been placed outside.”

https://kfdm.com/news/local/breaking-at-least-3-dead-of-suspected-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-at-port-arthur-business

Two taken to hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning in Beaverton

Beaverton, OR – “One patient was unconscious, unable to move on his own and one patient basically staggered outside with the help of Beaverton (police)…the call initially came in as a cardiac arrest.“
What’s in the air you’re breathing at work?

https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/469703-380208-two-taken-to-the-hospital-in-suspected-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-incident-?wallit_nosession=1&fbclid=IwAR2fREwiylqaoKjVCXmvYbENicpm0-bW52Njz4zhZE8GgZDA8H7b_GX4Q8s

VT hotel evacuates due to fumes

Quality Inn, Rutland, VT – “…and the portion of the building where the rooms were located measured at 300 ppm…the building had 64 rooms, most or all of which were occupied by multiple people…vulnerable population and also apparently some essential workers…” Source of CO listed as a gas powered power washer.

https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/hotel-evacuates-due-to-fumes/article_328aff49-e060-59d8-93ca-f877dc23c81c.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR2GvzyGgIdv7R1LhCqH8bVP4afkZMgBmzFbc6KC9Rg48T_bTBdrCrA6Ucs

Earthquake damage reports keep flowing in…Salt Lake Valley

“Building owners should be especially concerned about brick chimneys…Inspect the chimneys for loose bricks. If the chimney provides ventilation for a fireplace or appliances such as furnaces or water heaters, make sure it still vents…also encourage building owners to ensure they have a working carbon monoxide detector.”

https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2020/03/23/aftershocks-spur-plea/?fbclid=IwAR0LVhV-QNCjivg7sJFMFvDhE-2HdF5gZYvWHquVcHkZk6syD5IJINxRXG4

CO leaked for hours at a Virginia Beach day care. Parents were shocked that detectors aren’t required

“One of the teacher’s husbands brought a carbon monoxide detector a few hours later to test, and when it was plugged in, the alarm went off immediately.”

https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/nation/carbon-monoxide-leaked-for-hours-at-a-virginia-beach-day/article_898a90aa-1648-5ee7-847d-80d8bc73e380.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR0jsd323zmrGUZJPQqHgcZMkzJNtMtVTj9yb5-9PnvFOReueXcJwuGnnsE

3 people sent to hospital after Fairfax CO. store CO leak

“Three people were taken to the hospital following a hazardous materials incident at Americana Grocery at 6128 Columbia Pike near the Lake Barcroft area at about 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 1.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department found elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the store. The fire department believes the leak was caused by a malfunctioning appliance. The fire department shut off the appliance and ventilated the building.”
Carbon monoxide leak sends three people to hospital | Annandale Today

Nearly 100 People Evacuated From Hempstead Apartment Building Due To Carbon Monoxide Leak

Long Island, NY – “Firefighters say illegally installed heaters are to blame for a carbon monoxide leak in an apartment building…”

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/video/4416480-nearly-100-people-evacuated-from-hempstead-apartment-building-due-to-carbon-monoxide-leak/?fbclid=IwAR2NqZR2kFk3uGebqAFSUUKC1fwnEVrk8GbNV0zFGmX3_XegaZcFnHIXMGU

 

Utility malfunction causes carbon monoxide scare in Keene, NH

“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.

https://www.unionleader.com/news/safety/utility-malfunction-causes-carbon-monoxide-scare-in-keene/article_f427e91b-f973-5a26-983b-908cecffbf3e.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share&fbclid=IwAR0CiOhgdaS6u9d_b0fElVVxF67gwlQG5RdZUUbMnlvvQ4Pzc-gu7bPHuRA

 

Hotels – A Hidden Source of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/judystone/2020/01/09/hotelsa-hidden-source-of-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/?fbclid=IwAR2IzqlrLxjkXdtB_7l5B3rOiQvjXNoaal9ObXo0aoMUEuG7_D3FFVcjPAg#8141a2258cb8

 

Spokane apartment owner could be fined after carbon monoxide poisoning

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”

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/spokane-renters-forced-from-apartments-after-carbon-monoxide-exposure/293-b26a04c1-dbed-4406-b5bb-ec2c7345163d?fbclid=IwAR1WMwZGoCGasvA225i5Aeq2BpC1CENEBlWKAhx4Zxu0JsxkVnnt3afoXpY

 

Queens McDonald’s Evacuated Over High Carbon Monoxide Level

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.

https://patch.com/new-york/jackson-heights-elmhurst/queens-mcdonalds-evacuated-over-high-carbon-monoxide-level-fdny

Spokane fire Chief says South Hill restaurant dealt with ‘silent killer’

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.

 

https://www.khq.com/news/spokane-fire-chief-says-south-hill-restaurant-dealt-with-silent-killer/article_0c7309be-187d-11ea-a090-57d067a3d4aa.html

EMS responds to CO alarms at Gamma Phi Beta

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.

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/lpd-lfd-respond-to-carbon-monoxide-alarms-at-gamma-phi/article_d3023152-15e6-11ea-8755-3b132b19c3f3.html

Derby Street Chipotle evacuated due to carbon monoxide leak

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.”

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/hingham-journal/2019/11/05/derby-street-chipotle-evacuated-due/64741688007/

At least 60 sickened by CO at LDS church; some may suffer long-term

“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

https://kutv.com/news/local/at-least-60-sickened-by-carbon-monoxide-at-lds-church-some-may-suffer-long-term

2 employees sickened by carbon monoxide inside Commerce City restaurant

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/

Boston Market evacuated for elevated levels of carbon monoxide

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. ”

https://www.wisn.com/article/boston-market-in-glendale-evacuated-for-elevated-levels-of-carbon-monoxide/29060577#

Carbon Monoxide Poisonings in Hotels and Motels: The Problem Silently Continues

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.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335519301469?fbclid=IwAR1zKeLgbwNjYk4ZaVF-pCRYUWHKpppf0o-_QYscWp_b-3mYZwHY3KJlDoM

 

Vancouver, WA businesses evacuated for CO

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/

1 dead, 4 sickened after apparent carbon monoxide exposure in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn

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/

Short Pump store manager treated for carbon monoxide poisoning during evacuation

“…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)

 

Zamboni To Blame For Carbon Monoxide Incident: Fire Officials

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

Dozens evacuated after high levels of CO found in Grand Concourse building

Bronx, NY –
“People living in a building on the Grand Concourse got an early morning wakeup call they didn’t expect or want – a carbon monoxide evacuation.
Firefighters evacuated 1750 Grand Concourse around 2:30 a.m. for high carbon monoxide levels.
Con Edison was on scene and working to resolve the issue. Authorities told News 12 no one suffered any injuries.
Tenants say their landlord has failed to provide them with carbon monoxide detectors.
The Red Cross was called, and a bus was requested to provide shelter for those displaced.”
https://bronx.news12.com/dozens-evacuated-after-high-levels-of-co-found-in-grand-concourse-building-40404882