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Carbon Monoxide Detector An Inexpensive Safeguard
07/26/10 - 09:54 PM
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Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and – as in the case of an elderly Callaway couple – it can be deadly.  Nearly two weeks after Alfred and Iris Chesley were found dead inside their Miles Drive home, the circumstances remain unclear.  Investigators say there was no evidence of foul play or suicide at the scene.

“What is a mystery is exactly how it occurred,” said Major Tommy Ford of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.  “And the only two people that truly know what happened are, of course, both deceased.”

Carbon monoxide is created when appliances such as gas-powered hot water heaters and stoves burn fuel incompletely.  According to Major Ford, the Callaway couple did not have gas appliances in their home.

“That’s why detection systems are really great to have,” said Captain Joe Cocco of Panama City Beach Fire & Rescue.  “They’re going to let you know early on that you have a problem and give you enough warning to get your family out of your home.”

Carbon monoxide detectors come in a variety of styles.  Some have digital readouts, some talk to you, and others are combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.  But the bottom line is that for less than $20, you can save your life.

Gasoline powered engines, barbeque grills and home fireplaces are other possible sources of carbon monoxide.  Electric generators – a staple of hurricane season – are often to blame when tragedy strikes.  That’s because carbon monoxide can become trapped in poorly ventilated areas.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people every year are killed during a hurricane due to using generators inside [the home] or generators in the garage,” said Capt. Cocco. 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to flu symptoms and can include headaches and nausea.  “And [if] the whole family is suffering the same kind of symptoms like that, you really need to get it checked out right away and get to fresh air as soon as possible,” said Captain Cocco.

If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, you can ask the fire department to check for the presence of the gas.