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Family Exposed To Deadly Gas

By Emily Forrester and Santa Rosa Co. EMA

Colder weather brings dangers of CO2 poisoning. Family Exposed To Deadly Gas

Published: Mon, December 17, 2007 - 4:00 pm

An East Milton, Florida family was rushed to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the Santa Rosa County Spokesperson, two adults and a child were exposed to the deadly gas by a faulty home furnace. Santa Rosa County EMA wants people to be extra careful when heating their homes. The area will be under a hard freeze warning tonight.

Here are tips from the American Red Cross to prevent and detect carbon monoxide:

* Buy and Install CO Detectors/Alarms

---Before buying a CO Alarm, check to make sure it is listed with Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), standard 2034, or there is information on the package or owner’s manual that says that the detector/alarm meets the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard.
---Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the detector/alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.

*What can you do to prevent CO poisoning?

---Make sure appliances are installed according to manufacturer's instructions and local building codes.
---Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
---Only burn charcoal outdoors, never inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
---Do not use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
---Always make sure to turn off any gas-powered engine (car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, lawn mower, chain saw, or generator) inside an attached garage or basement. Even if the garage door is open, you can still be affected or killed by CO.
---Do not use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.
---If you use a fuel-burning appliance for approved indoor uses (such as a heater), make sure it is vented to the outdoors following manufacturer’s instructions. ------Do not use an unvented fuel-burning appliance in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.
---Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
---Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
---Choose properly sized wood-burning stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards.
---Make certain that doors on all wood-burning stoves fit tightly.
---Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.

*What should you do if you experience symptoms of CO poisoning?

---If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave your home. Then call your fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
---It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified serviceperson checks them for malfunction.