Pilesgrove, NJ – The death of a Pilesgrove woman led New Jersey State Police to push out safety reminders for residents about carbon monoxide detectors.
The incident occurred last week when an 89-year-old woman pulled into the garage of her home and left her car running, state authorities said.
As a result, she died from carbon monoxide poisoning while in her house, according to police who did not release additional info on the victim or the incident.
While the carbon monoxide detectors went off, police believe the woman did not hear them. Neighbors’ alarms also went off but rather than call the fire department, they took out the batteries, according to police.
Local fire department chiefs and state police are reminding residents the importance of staying on top of detectors through maintenance, and getting back to the basics:
Don’t ignore the alarm
Once a detector goes off, immediately call 9-1-1 and safely get out of the house.
“It’s more so important that if you hear your monoxide detector go off, don’t ignore it and call the fire department,” NJ Police Station Commander Christopher Quirk said.
Carbon monoxide, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is an odorless and colorless gas that can be lethal.
This gas can be produced by different fuels, such as propane or kerosine, and is often found in cars or lawn mowers.
Roughly 170 people in the country die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the CPSC.
Test the alarm and batteries
“Test it don’t just assume it’s the batteries,” Quirk said.
Firefighters will respond to calls and using a machine, will be able to test and air and carbon monoxide levels.
Officials will also make sure the home is safe to re-enter and reside in, according to Carneys Point Police Chief Ted Stranahan.
Carbon monoxide detectors are used to signal an alarm before dangerous levels of the gas are inhaled and can become fatal.
Replace the detectors
“It’s very important to remember that every 10 years they need to be replaced, not just changing the batteries but change the detectors as well,” Westampton Fire Department Deputy Chief Craig Farnsworth.
“If your detector goes off, get out of the house as quickly as possible and call the fire department. We will make sure it’s checked and measure the amount of monoxide in the house,” the deputy chief added.
Also, while local fire departments don’t typically give out carbon monoxide detectors, fire detectors are and fire officials will also help install them for free.
There are also fire safety events held where free fire alarm detectors are given out.
For a free fire alarm, or to find out more about carbon monoxide detectors, call your local fire department non-emergency number.