BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Experts say carbon monoxide poisoning can catch anyone off guard without proper precaution.
Terry Francis, Deputy Chief of the South Burlington Fire Department, was on a routine building inspection when his carbon monoxide monitor beeped.
“As soon as I walked in, the thing went off into alarm,” said Francis.
There were 5,000 parts per million of carbon monoxide in the air – a lethal leak. However, the crew never suspected a thing.
“They said that everyone was feeling bad and they figured it was just the flu,” said Francis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by too much exposure to the clear, odorless, tasteless gas.
It presents flu-like symptoms and is especially common in the winter when folks are heating up carbon monoxide emitters like cars, fireplaces, and water heaters.
Over 400 Americans die annually from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires. In the last ten years, Vermont has seen 16 carbon monoxide-related deaths.
Most recently in our region, a family of four died on Christmas day from a carbon monoxide leak in New Hampshire.
“The saddest fact there is that they didn’t have carbon monoxide detectors, and they’re the easiest form of prevention,” said Bill Irwin of the Vermont Department of Health.
Officials with the Department of Health say carbon monoxide detectors could prevent some 50% of carbon monoxide deaths.
“It’s fairly inexpensive, really fairly easy to install, they could be plugged into an outlet,” said Irwin.
There’s a variety of carbon monoxide detectors available at different price points. Pricier versions tell you to evacuate, while others put out four beeps when they detect the gas and one beep when the battery is low.
If you’re unsure of your detector’s status, call your local fire department.
“We’re always happy to mitigate whatever your issue is,” said Francis.
The overall message is that carbon monoxide doesn’t have to be a silent killer.
You can protect yourself and your family by making sure your detectors and heating appliances are up to date, getting your chimney cleaned, operating your generator over 20 feet away from your home, and getting your car serviced for leaks.