Two young girls die from carbon monoxide poisoning-what you should know to protect your family

June 1, 12:19 PMFt. Lauderdale City Buzz ExaminerCheryl Avins Smith

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Two 11 year old girls died yesterday from carbon monoxide poisoning.  They lived in Loggers Run, a suburb in western Boca Raton.  While the investigation is still ongoing, the poisoning was said to be caused by the family's car engine being left on overnight in the garage.  The mother and family dog survived but sadly the girls, best friends enjoying a sleep over, died in their sleep.  Sun Sentinel

Carbon monoxide deaths are rare, said Tim O'Connor, a spokesman for the Palm Beach County Health Department. Other than suicides, the last one he recalls was during Hurricane Wilma. He said these deaths are more common during and after hurricanes, when people have power outages and use generators, or bring grills inside.  The good part is it's rare, but it's something people really need to be aware of," he said.  He said families may want to consider buying carbon monoxide monitors, similar to smoke alarms
 

The Environmental Protection Agency has published a fact sheet to make people aware of of how deadly carbon monoxide can be, particularly since you cannot see or smell it.  High levels of it can kill a person within minutes. The following is their list of dos and don'ts with regard to carbon monoxide poisoning:

Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.

DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.

DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.

DO call the Consumer Product Safety Commission (1-800-638-2772) at www.cpsc.gov for more information on how to reduce your risks from CO and other combustion gases and particles.

DON’T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.

DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.

DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.

DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
 

In South Florida we are very familiar with portable electric generators and must be aware of the dangers of leaving them running without adequate ventilation.  With hurricane season beginning today, you should familiarize yourselves with the guidelines listed above.  

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