Silent Killer: Chaveirim Responds to Two Alarming Carbon Monoxide Incidents This Week

By Y.M. Lowy

This week, Chaveirim responded to two separate carbon monoxide emergencies. As the cold weather sets in, many families are relying on boilers and other fuel-burning appliances to stay warm, making it crucial to be careful about potential carbon monoxide hazards. Regular checks of appliances and functioning alarms are so important.

In the first incident, Chaveirim was dispatched to a home with a carbon monoxide reading of 250, an alarmingly high level. This dangerous concentration led to the immediate involvement of Hatzolah and FDNY. The source of the leak was traced to the boiler, which had malfunctioned. Thankfully, the family was safely evacuated, but they were forced to spend the night elsewhere as repairs were made.

In a second incident, Chaveirim volunteers responded to a home where the carbon monoxide alarm went off during a routine test. The alarm reading was dangerously high, and immediate action was taken to evacuate the home and investigate the source. This early warning likely prevented a much worse situation from unfolding.

Both incidents highlight how quickly carbon monoxide can become a deadly threat in the home. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so alarms are the only way to detect it. Chaveirim urges every household to make sure their appliances are in proper working condition, and that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and function correctly. Regularly testing alarms, checking for any damage or obstruction, and ensuring batteries are fresh can save lives.

A small amount of time spent checking these crucial systems could be the difference between life and death. Stay safe, and make sure your alarms are working today.