The following is a press release from the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority.
A sad and nearly tragic situation took place in Everett this weekend when five people were taken to a local hospital after being exposed to carbon monoxide (CO).
All five reported not feeling well after a gas-powered generator was left running in an attached garage due to the power being out in the home.
The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority would like to remind our residents about the dangers of CO and what you can do to prevent a tragedy in your home.
CO is an odorless and colorless gas that is formed when anything burns.
This includes wood, gasoline, propane and natural gas.
Devices such as furnaces and wood stoves that use these fuels typically have exhausts that keep you safe in your home by removing the CO.
The problems that firefighters see are when devices such as a BBQ or a generator are used inside or too close to a home, or an appliance’s exhaust malfunctions, which exposes the occupants to CO.
Watch for the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Light headedness or headaches
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Protect your family by:
- Never running a vehicle in the garage for an extended period of time and never with the outer door closed.
- Keeping generators and BBQs well away from the home when in use.
- Having CO producing devices inspected by a professional on a regular basis.
- Having working CO alarms in the home.
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning and calling 911.
Your firefighters carry handheld CO detectors with them and will able to quickly determine if there is a CO danger in your home.
