Family's death a reminder for CO safety
Story By: Jeannette Hynes
Source: KOAA
Parker, Caroline, Owen, and Sophie Lofgren became victims of carbon monoxide poisoning Friday at a home in Aspen. They were from Denver.
The Pitkin County Sheriff's Office said the home had high levels of carbon monoxide. It's a solemn reminder to be conscious of carbon monoxide levels in your home during the cold months.
Colorado Springs Utilities says you should have working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. Those detectors should be close to the bedrooms and furnace. Also, don't run your car, snowblower, or generator in the garage.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide include nausea, vomiting, headache, or fatigue. If you feel any of these symptoms, especially only at home, it's time to leave the house and go to a neighbor's home to call 911.
It doesn't take long for the gas to turn deadly.
"It could literally be minutes. It depends on how long it's been in the house, and you don't realize it and think, oh I've got the flu. It could be minutes to a few hours, but it really depends on the concentration of the gas," said Colorado Springs Utilities spokesperson Carol Rollo.
She added, Colorado Springs Utilities will check your carbon monoxide levels for free. That number is (719) 448-4800.
Also, a certified inspector can check your furnace for cracks or leaks. If the inspector finds problems, he or she can "red flag" your furnace. That means, the furnace is shut off until the furnace can be fixed or replaced.
