Westport FD: Be Mindful Of Alarm System, Generator Issues

WESTPORT, CT — Westport fire officials are reminding residents to be mindful of issues with their alarm systems and generators after four residents were found over the weekend to have been unwittingly exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.

Officials said the department received a call Sunday morning from an alarm company reporting a carbon monoxide alarm. Firefighters entered the residence and found an elevated reading of carbon monoxide of 120 ppm, according to a release.

The four occupants were quickly evacuated and evaluated by Westport EMS, officials said.

The source of the carbon monoxide was subsequently determined to be coming from a portable generator running too close to the home. Officials said the generator had been running since Wednesday and the alarm system’s battery had been disconnected by the homeowner, resulting in the home having no fire or CO protection.

When the utility company restored power, the alarm system activated and alerted the occupants of the carbon monoxide levels, officials said.

The Westport Fire Department reminds residents to report any problems with their alarm system to their alarm company for repair. If your alarm system needs repair or is faulty, please immediately place battery powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home until your alarm system is repaired, officials said.

Residents are also asked to please make sure you replace your batteries in your detectors and alarm panels twice a year at daylight savings time to ensure they will work in times of a power outage; in other words, change your batteries when you change your clock.

The Westport Fire Department would also like to remind residents to always read and follow your generator’s instructions. This includes keeping at least five feet of clearance around your generator.

Photo credit: Westport Fire Department