Man Dead Of Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Kerosene Heater

EARLEVILLE, MD — A man is dead and a woman was in critical condition after they were found in their Earleville home with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the state fire marshal’s office.

Paramedics responded around 12:45 p.m. Saturday to Florida Avenue in Crystal Beach after family members found Steven C. Hannaford, 59, unresponsive in the living room and his girlfriend, Marie A. Florczyk, 65, shivering and disoriented in a bedroom, authorities said.

The home had no electricity, a strong odor of kerosene and soot-covered walls, according to the office. The only source of heat was a kerosene heater, authorities said, noting its chimney was not seated properly and its fuel had run dry.

"This tragic event is a reminder to reflect on your own family's safety during difficult times due to weather," Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in a news release. "Routine maintenance and safe operation of heating equipment, combined with properly installed and operating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and practicing your home escape plans are a life-saving combination for all Marylanders.”

People who use kerosene heaters should only use “K-1” fuel, refuel outside the home after the heater has cooled, operate it with a door open to the rest of the house and a window cracked about 1 inch, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, maintenance and use, according to the office.