Sheldon, Iowa — The Sheldon Fire Company was called to a Sheldon home on Wednesday morning for the smell of gas and high carbon monoxide levels.
Experts tell us that carbon monoxide or “CO” detectors don’t detect natural gas, but they can alert to situations like incomplete burning of natural gas, which would cause both raw natural gas and carbon monoxide to be present in your home.
With the temps getting colder, furnaces are going to see more use, and with that comes an increased chance of incidents such as this.
We talked to MidAmerican Energy spokesperson Geoff Greenwood about natural gas. He says it’s a very safe product and most people never have a problem with it. But it is a powerful fuel that deserves respect and people need to play it safe.
He tells us what to do if you do smell natural gas.
Experts say everyone should be aware of the dangers of creating carbon monoxide in an enclosed area too. We talked to Sioux Center Fire Chief David Van Holland, and he tells us not only can malfunctioning furnaces and other combustion cause carbon monoxide in your home, but so can running a car in your attached garage.
Fire department experts tell us you should not use generators or gas-fueled appliances that are not properly ventilated inside the home. Camping stoves, charcoal grills, and so forth cannot be used inside a structure because of the carbon monoxide hazard. Ventless gas heaters are also an issue, says Van Holland.
With winter coming, we should also remember to clear ice and snow from furnace vents — especially the high-efficiency ones that are normally vented to the side of the house, as the exhaust contains moisture and that can freeze up and block the pipe — so the carbon monoxide is trapped inside the home.
Experts tell us that utility companies usually have carbon monoxide equipment and they can tell you how efficiently your heating equipment is working.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning present themselves with a headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, dizziness, and so forth. They say if you believe that you are possibly suffering from carbon monoxide — call 911 and remove yourself from that structure as soon as you can.
