Providence, RI – Three family members were sent to the hospital after suffering from what appears to be carbon monoxide poisoning late Tuesday evening.
With the intensity of the blizzard along with the severe winds, firefighters said snow drifted and blocked the foundation vents of the home. After investigating, they said it caused elevated carbon monoxide levels.
It happened on Tuesday, shortly before midnight on Bridgham Street in Providence.
Firefighters said a woman came home and found a man and two children incapacitated and very sleepy on the floor. She quickly woke them up, opened the windows, and then helped get them to safety by bringing them outside for fresh air.
Meanwhile, she called 9-1-1 and when fire and police crews showed up. They confirmed that there were extremely high levels of carbon monoxide inside their home. The detectors were 10 years old and not working properly so it didn’t go off.
The ages of the children are unknown at this time. They were taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The man was taken to Rhode Island Hospital. Their conditions are not known.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the invisible killer, because you can’t see it and you can’t smell it.
Heating and cooking equipment, generators, even vehicles can be main sources of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Firefighters and police want to remind everyone to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors even though the storm is over because these types of accidents are common throughout the winter.