[RP TownTalk] Carbon Monoxide

[S.C. Lamphier]

This is from the Bowie Patch.  The Riverdale station did not run this particular call, but this is important information.  Please share it with your neighbors.
 
 



A Riverdale family of
six nearly died Monday night from exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide,
Prince George’s County Fire Department authorities say.


The family awoke
Monday night and went to a clinic after all six members began to suffer from
flu-like symptoms, authorities say. Family members initially complained of
headaches and nausea. Testing showed the family was suffering from carbon
monoxide poisoning.


Officials from the
Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department arrived at the home on the 6000
block of Sheridan Street on Tuesday after the clinic notified them of the
incident.


Firefighters found a
sick dog inside the home and took it outside into the fresh air. Authorities
say the dog is doing fine.


Firefighters at the
home detected 200 parts per million of carbon monoxide. A normal carbon
monoxide reading is between 0 to 35 ppm, and any reading over 35 is considered
unhealthy.


Officials determined
the cause of the excess amounts of the gas was the result of a water heater
malfunction. The new heater was installed on Monday at the home. Firefighters
have turned off appliances and gas in the home and notified the gas company of
the situation.


Emergency workers
installed a free carbon monoxide detector in the house, too.


Here are tips from
Prince George’s County to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:



 In Prince George’s County, it
     is now a law that you have at least one battery-powered CO detector on
     each level of your home and near sleeping areas, and make sure it is more
     than 5 feet from fuel-burning appliances to prevent false alarms. The
     Fire/EMS Department strongly encourages the use of a 10-year CO detector.
 Ensure that fuel-burning
     appliances are properly installed and working according to the
     manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances for adequate
     ventilation.
 Do not burn charcoal inside
     your house, even in the fireplace.
 Do not use gasoline-powered generators
     inside your house.
 Keep chimneys clear of animal
     nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting.
 Do not block or seal shut
     exhaust flues or ducts for appliances, such as water heaters, ranges and
     clothes dryers.



 


If It Happens to You



 Never ignore your CO detector
     if it sounds.
 Determine if anyone in the
     household is experiencing symptoms of CO exposure symptoms such as a
     headache, nausea, drowsiness or confusion. Call 911.
 Exit your home. Leave the CO
     detector where it is.
 Do not return to your home
     until emergency personnel have arrived, the home is aired out and your CO
     alarm returns to normal operation.


 


Steve Lamphier 
 
 		 	   		  
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