Carbon Monoxide Spike Prompts Safety Warning In HdG

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A carbon monoxide detector alerted first responders this week to a potentially deadly situation. A home on Webster-Lapidum Road had elevated levels of carbon monoxide, the poisonous gas known as the "invisible killer" because it is colorless and odorless.

Because high levels can be impossible to detect otherwise, a CO detector is vital in homes where appliances that produce carbon monoxide may be in use.

Generators, furnaces, stoves and water heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A CO detector had activated in the 4300 block of Webster-Lapidum Road after 9 a.m. on March 5, according to the Susquehanna Hose Company. The alarm company notified authorities after nobody answered calls placed to the residence in response to the CO detector's activation.

Firefighters from the Susquehanna Hose Company and Level Volunteer Fire Company heard an alarm sounding as well as a gas-powered generator, according to the hose company. When they arrived at the scene, they said they did not see any smoke when they arrived at the two-story home.

They found elevated levels throughout the residence and used pressure fans to ventilate the house, the hose company reported. Upon conducting another reading, the CO levels had dropped into an acceptable range.

"Thankfully these homeowners weren’t home at the time and had an alarm monitoring service, otherwise the outcome could’ve been significantly worse and potentially deadly," the Susquehanna Hose Company reported.

More than 150 people die annually as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S., according to the Consumer Produce Safety Commission.

How To Avoid CO Poisoning

• Put gas-powered generators at least 5 feet away from the house. "The further, the better," the Susquehanna Hose Company noted.
• Ensure a CO detector is installed in your home if you're using a generator and/or have gas-powered appliances.
• Contain doors, windows and any intake piping for your furnace.

Photo courtesy of the Susquehanna Hose Company.