Officials: Family Nearly Died from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A Riverdale family of six nearly died Monday night from exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide, Prince George’s County Fire Department authorities say.

The family awoke Monday night and went to a clinic after all six members began to suffer from flu-like symptoms, authorities say. Family members initially complained of headaches and nausea. Testing showed the family was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Officials from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department arrived at the home on the 6000 block of Sheridan Street on Tuesday after the clinic notified them of the incident.

Firefighters found a sick dog inside the home and took it outside into the fresh air. Authorities say the dog is doing fine.

Firefighters at the home detected 200 parts per million of carbon monoxide. A normal carbon monoxide reading is between 0 to 35 ppm, and any reading over 35 is considered unhealthy.

Officials determined the cause of the excess amounts of the gas was the result of a water heater malfunction. The new heater was installed on Monday at the home. Firefighters have turned off appliances and gas in the home and notified the gas company of the situation.

Emergency workers installed a free carbon monoxide detector in the house, too.

Here are tips from Prince George’s County to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• In Prince George’s County, it is now a law that you have at least one battery-powered CO detector on each level of your home and near sleeping areas, and make sure it is more than 5 feet from fuel-burning appliances to prevent false alarms. The Fire/EMS Department strongly encourages the use of a 10-year CO detector.
• Ensure that fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and working according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect these appliances for adequate ventilation.
• Do not burn charcoal inside your house, even in the fireplace.
• Do not use gasoline-powered generators inside your house.
• Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting.
• Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances, such as water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.

If It Happens to You

• Never ignore your CO detector if it sounds.
• Determine if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of CO exposure symptoms such as a headache, nausea, drowsiness or confusion. Call 911.
• Exit your home. Leave the CO detector where it is.
• Do not return to your home until emergency personnel have arrived, the home is aired out and your CO alarm returns to normal operation.

-- This home on the 6000 block of Sheridan Street had high levels of carbon monoxide after a new water heater malfunctioned. Photo screenshot from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department video.

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