Carbon Monoxide Detector Potentially Saves Sheridan County Family’s Lives

A carbon monoxide detector may have saved the lives of a family in Sheridan County this week. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

According to information from Sheridan County Emergency Management, a Sheridan County family called 911 this past Tuesday after their carbon monoxide detector sounded an alarm. Firefighters from the Goose Valley Fire Department responded to the residence and discovered a significant carbon monoxide hazard associated with the home’s furnace.

No family members experienced symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and none of them required medical treatment. The early warning provided by the carbon monoxide detector

may have prevented a tragedy. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuels such as natural gas,

propane, wood, or gasoline do not burn completely. Common household sources include furnaces, gas stoves, fireplaces, water heaters, and portable generators.

Improperly maintained or ventilated fuel burning appliances can allow dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate inside a home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning unrelated to fires, while more than 100,000 visit emergency departments and over 14,000 are hospitalized. As temperatures drop and heating systems see increased use, Sheridan County Emergency

Management reminds residents to take a few simple precautions:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning unrelated to fires, while more than 100,000 visit emergency departments and over 14,000 are hospitalized. As temperatures drop and heating systems see increased use, Sheridan County Emergency

Management reminds residents to take a few simple precautions:

Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.

Test detectors monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Have furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected and serviced annually.

Keep appliance vents and exhaust outlets clear of snow, ice, and debris. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately evacuate everyone to fresh air, call 911 from outside, and do not reenter until emergency responders say it is safe. 

Carbon monoxide detectors are widely available at home improvement and hardware stores. Many retailers also offer combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.