Carbon Monoxide Detector Saves Family of 8

A recently installed carbon monoxide alarm saved a Roseville family Jan. 18 after the alarm sounded and the family evacuated their home on Vernon Oaks Drive.

When Roseville Firefighters arrived on scene, they found the family of eight standing in the front yard of their home. Firefighters determined there were dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in their home. None of the occupants suffered any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Roseville Fire Department.

Pacific Gas & Electric was requested to the scene and determined that the cause of the carbon monoxide build-up was an improperly vented fireplace.

The Roseville Fire Department released this information about carbon monoxide:

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, a tasteless and colorless toxic gas, that is a byproduct of combustion and will appear naturally in any situation where burning has taken place. Common sources of carbon monoxide include gasoline engines running in closed garages, fuel-burning space heaters or water heaters with improper venting, and blocked chimneys or vent pipes. Many carbon monoxide incidents are a result of citizens bringing improper heat sources into their homes on cold winter days and nights such as barbecues, generators, propane camping heaters and other products.

California Senate Bill 183 requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors in rental units and dwellings that are being transferred or sold by Jan. 1, 2011. It also requires that carbon monoxide detectors are installed in all homes by Jan. 1, 2013.

The following precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning are recommended:

• Prevent carbon monoxide buildup in the first place — make sure heating appliances are in good working order and used only in well-ventilated areas.
• Don’t run a car engine in the garage, even to warm it up; move the car outside first.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm outside every sleeping area, on every level of your home and at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Check the batteries monthly (when you check your smoke alarm batteries) and replace them twice a year.
• Ensure fireplaces are cleaned and properly vented.

If someone who has been in a poorly ventilated room with a fuel-burning appliance begins to feel fatigued, nauseous, drowsy or confused, or complains of a headache, move the victim to fresh air and call 911. If more than one person in the home suddenly feels ill for no apparent reason, or if a Carbon Monoxide detector alarms, get everyone outside immediately and call 911 from a pre-arranged meeting place.