Multiple people sickened after carbon monoxide poisoning in Vallejo
(Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
At least five people were injured after a carbon monoxide poisoning at a Vallejo apartment complex on Sunday, Solano NewsNet has learned.
The incident was reported around 1:30 p.m. at an apartment building along the 100 block of Maher Court.
Firefighters were originally dispatched to a report of a carbon monoxide alarm that was going off inside one of the units. When fire crews arrived, they confirmed several people inside had been sickened with an apparent case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
At least four ambulances were dispatched to the scene, according to information obtained by Solano NewsNet. The victims were taken to nearby hospitals, and some of the ambulances transported firefighter personnel, though it wasn’t clear if firefighters were among the injured.
No other details were immediately available.
How to prevent carbon monoxide poisonings
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas that is difficult — if not impossible — for most people to detect. The gas can be emitted through household items and equipment that uses charcoal, gas, oil or wood and can quickly spread throughout a home once it is discharged.
A carbon monoxide alarm is the best way to detect the gas. As of 2011, the State of California requires most homes to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms are available as standalone units or bundled with smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide alarms have a shelf life of about 10 years, at which point they have to be replaced with a new unit.
If a carbon monoxide alarm starts to sound, don’t treat it as a false alarm. Instead, take the following steps:
Immediately evacuate yourself and any other occupants, including pets if possible. If you can, open any windows that are on your exit path.
If you have a cellphone, call 9-1-1 once you’ve evacuated. If you don’t have a cellphone, go to a neighbor’s home or nearby business and request they call 9-1-1 on your behalf. Be prepared to give dispatchers your name and address.
Do not go back into your home under any circumstances unless directed by emergency dispatchers or personnel.
If emergency personnel find a carbon monoxide leak, they will take the proper steps to abate the problem. If they don’t find a carbon monoxide leak, they may encourage you to change the batteries in your detector or replace it with a new unit. Some fire departments will offer to change the batteries in your existing detector or replace it with a new unit for free.
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