Osage Fire Department Warns of Carbon Monoxide Dangers After Fatal Incident

OSAGE, Iowa — The Osage Fire Department is reminding residents to make sure their homes are protected from carbon monoxide after responding to a call last week that turned into a deadly carbon monoxide emergency.

In a statement, the department said crews were dispatched for what was initially reported as a medical emergency. Responders later determined the incident involved carbon monoxide — an odorless, colorless gas often referred to as the “invisible killer.” The department said the incident was fatal for one community member. The victim’s name was not released.

“Our condolences go out to his family,” the department said.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms that may be mistaken for illness, including headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and weakness. Fire officials are urging residents to install carbon monoxide alarms throughout their homes and make sure they are working properly.

Recommended safety tips

The Osage Fire Department offered the following guidance to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations required by codes or standards. For added protection, interconnect alarms so that if one sounds, they all sound.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

• Use alarms labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.

• Test alarms at least once a month and replace them according to manufacturer instructions.

• If an alarm’s trouble signal sounds, check the batteries. Replace low batteries, and if the alarm continues, contact the fire department.

• If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move immediately to fresh air outdoors or near an open window or door, account for everyone inside, and call for help from a fresh air location. Stay outside until emergency personnel arrive.

• Never run a vehicle or fueled engine indoors, even with garage doors open. If warming a vehicle, move it out of the garage immediately after starting it, and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow.

• During and after snowstorms, clear snow buildup from vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves and fireplaces.

• Use generators only outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from windows, doors and vent openings.

• Use gas or charcoal grills only outside, as they can produce carbon monoxide.

The department encouraged residents to review their home safety plans and ensure alarms are installed, functioning and properly placed to help prevent future tragedies.