Thursday, December 22, 2011
Eureka Fire Protection District's Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Scott Mullins encourages all residents to watch for this life-threatening health risk as everyone moves indoors for the winter. Here's what to do if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds off.
Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 400 lives and sends another 20,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment, according to information provided by Scott Mullins, deputy chief and fire marshal for the Eureka Fire Protection District. Mullins said it's important to understand the risks of carbon monoxide. He said the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Association of Home Builders offer simple steps about protection from deadly carbon monoxide fumes. What is carbon monoxide (CO)? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home, said Mullins. At lower …
Monday, December 19, 2011
A near-miss for a local family from carbon monoxide poisoning was averted Saturday when firefighters from Monarch Fire Protection District responded to an alarm. Monarch's House No. 2, at 18424 Wildhorse Creek Rd., services Wildwood residents.
An odorless, tasteless gas can sneak up on people during the winter in the confines of homes. Called a silent threat, there are precautions that can and should be taken. (See related article: Undetected Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer) Monarch Fire Protection District firefighters on pumper/ladder truck No. 2242 responded to a carbon monoxide detector sounding on Saturday at approximately 3 a.m. "Instead of the 'usual' false alarm, this call turned out to be the real thing. Upon checking, the carbon monoxide readings were 40 ppm," said Monarch Fire Marshall Roger Herin. "This level of exposure can produce flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, sore eyes and a runny nose. Longer periods, or a richer mixture can become significantly more …
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Scott Mullins, Eureka Fire Marshal, recommends carbon monoxide detectors for homes with gas appliances or gas heating systems.
Carbon monoxide, an odorless, tasteless and toxic gas, can be deadly if undetected in homes. The gas can kill before residents become aware of its existence in their homes, especially this time of the year, said local authorities. Eureka Fire Marshal Scott Mullins, Eureka Fire Protection District, recommends homes with at least one gas appliance or a wood-burning furnace or fireplace have a carbon monoxide detector that has been evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Mullins said, "Carbon monoxide doesn't rise to the top of a structure. It's not going to accumulate at the ceiling or on the top floor. Carbon monoxide is buoyant; it floats and moves throughout the entire house in the same way …
Sonny Saggar, MD
6:25 am on Monday, January 31, 2011
Awesome story. As a Wildwood resident, Eureka business owner and emergency physician all over the region, I am a huge supporter of early warning CO detection. Good work PATCH for bringing this to peoples' attention. Sonny more ›