Adams County Fire Rescue Urges Carbon Monoxide Safety Amid Surge in Calls
Adams County Fire Rescue is experiencing a worrying increase in carbon monoxide (CO) calls as colder weather sets in. Over the last month, Lieutenant Joseph Anderson II noted that his team responded to more than ten incidents, underscoring the seasonal uptick in carbon monoxide exposure risks.
One incident on October 30 highlighted the potentially deadly consequences of CO poisoning. After receiving a call from a concerned family member, responders found an unconscious couple inside a home near 52nd and Tejon Street. Upon entering, Lt. Anderson discovered a man lying by the couch and a woman in the hallway, both exhibiting symptoms of severe CO exposure such as nausea and vomiting.
Using his CO detector, Anderson discovered alarmingly high levels of carbon monoxide—over 450 parts per million (ppm). In contrast, normal levels should range between 5 and 15 ppm, with alarms typically activating at 35 ppm. These residents had been exposed to life-threatening conditions for over two hours; prolonged exposure could have led to tragic consequences, Anderson warned.
The cause of this dangerous situation stemmed from outdated and non-functional CO detectors that were 14 years old and lacked batteries. Anderson emphasized the importance of proper maintenance, stating that heaters not serviced for over two years can generate hazardous CO levels.
To prevent similar incidents, residents are advised to replace CO detectors every five to ten years, check batteries biannually, and ensure detectors are placed on each floor and at least 15 to 25 feet from any fuel-burning appliances. Adams County Fire Rescue continues to stress the importance of CO safety in homes as they prepare for ongoing winter heating challenges.
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