“Carbon monoxide incidents increase 18 percent” Published Jan. 24, 2008 By Christopher Hughes 96th Civil Engineer Squadron EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Carbon monoxide is also known as the "silent killer." it is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from the incomplete burning of common fuels such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, oil, wood or coal. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it enters the blood stream and reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to vital organs, such as the heart and brain. The Eglin Fire and Emergency Flight frequently respond to Military Family Housing for carbon monoxide detector activations. There is a carbon monoxide detector in Military Family Housing Units. It should be located adjacent to the smoke detector in the main hallway of the home near the bedrooms. If there is not one there, contact housing maintenance at 882-8585 immediately. For personnel living off base, all types of carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at the main exchange or a local hardware store. According to Jennifer Flynn of the National Fire Protection Association Journa, U. S. fire departments responded to an estimated 61,100 non-fire carbon monoxide incidents in 2005. That is up 18 percent from 51,700 incidents reported in 2003. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. For example, In March 2004, a carbon monoxide leak from a gas furnace left two families suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. The leak began in one family's basement, spread throughout the house and into a neighbor's home. The leak resulted in the carbon monoxide poisoning and death of a 14 year old girl, who lived in the home where the leak originated. Another seven individuals were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, including two women, ages 40 and 19 years old, and two males, age 20 and 4 years old, who lived with the 14 year old girl, and a 24 year old woman and two boys, ages 3 years old and 1 month, who lived next door. These seven victims were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning and survived the incident. Some prevention tips: - Have fuel burning equipment (fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood and coal stoves, space or portable heaters) and chimneys inspected by a professional once a year before cold weather arrives. - When purchasing new heating and cooking equipment, select products that are UL (Underwriters Laboratory) tested. - If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle, generator, or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. - A generator should be placed well away from the house because carbon monoxide can get pulled into the house through vents or open windows. Eglin Fire and Emergency Services can not stress enough the importance of carbon monoxidedetectors in the home. If they should activate, dial 9-1-1 and evacuate everyone from the home immediately. If you have any questions about carbon monoxide detectors, call Eglin Fire Prevention at 882-3229 option 5.