Detectors and pets save lives

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.