City Of Ames: Carbon Monoxide Incident Reported

Ames IA

20 May, 2022

1:23 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Ames: May 18, 2022 Ames Fire Department responded to a call concerning a carbon monoxide alarm just before 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at the Union apartment building at 2700 Lincoln Way. Upon arrival, firefighters found a contracting crew operating gas-powered equipment inside on the first floor. Firefighters monitored the area for carbon monoxide (CO) and discovered levels more than 230 parts per million in residential portions of the building resulting from inadequate ventilation of the work area. The building was evacuated and monitored for CO. High-powered electric fans were used to ventilate the entire structure. Approximately 75 residents were displaced from their apartments for 90 minutes during this process. Additionally, three individuals were evaluated for carbon monoxide poisoning and released by paramedics on scene. Two businesses in the building were impacted for a short time until safe CO levels were confirmed. Residents were allowed to return to their apartments once carbon monoxide was cleared. "This is a good reminder to install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of your home to provide an early warning of the presence of deadly carbon monoxide gas," said Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hackett. Generators, grills, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside your home or garage. If your carbon monoxide detector is sounding alarm or if you are suffering from some of the common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1. This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author's own.