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Emily Wheeler and Dorri Partain
Editorial Assistant and Managing Editor
On Oct. 15, an early morning apartment fire left 13 adults and three children without a home. Fire crews reported heavy fire and smoke on the first floor of the four-story apartment building in the Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood.
Reports of trapped occupants due to its thick smoke led to rescue operations. Kansas City Fire Department (KCFP) executed a total of five rescues from the second, third and fourth floors. Four occupants were transported for smoke inhalation for evaluation; all were in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
This fire was attributed to an electric baseboard heater, upon further investigation by KCFD.
As Kansas City starts experiencing colder temperatures, residents are switching off their AC units and turning on their furnaces, as well as utilizing other heating devices.
In winter 2023, six lives were claimed in the Northeast due to carbon monoxide poisoning, specifically, using a gas-powered generator in an enclosed space.
Common sources of carbon monoxide leaks include the following:
- Gas furnaces
- Gas stoves
- Gas fireplaces
- Gas clothes dryers
- Gas water heaters
- Non-electric space heaters
- Idling cars in closed garages
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas, which can cause death with long exposure. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, chest pain or confusion. If you are using an alternate heating device and experience any of these symptoms, leave your residence at once and call 911.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are the leading cause of home fires between December through February. When used improperly, gas-fueled, kerosene-fueled or electric, fixed or portable space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces all can lead to serious injury or death.
Be sure to read all instructions before turning on any auxiliary heating device, taking care to place the unit away from other objects and plugging directly into an electric outlet — extension cords or power strips should not be used with any electric heater for safety reasons.
Whether electric or gas/kerosine fueled, all alternate heating devices should be turned off before going to bed or leaving your home.
Just as a smoke alarm can detect early signs of fire, a CO detector can measure levels of this dangerous gas and save lives. Many inexpensive models are available, from battery-powered detectors to those that are hard-wired to a direct power source.
To reserve a free CO detector, email Healthy.homes@kcmo.org or call 816-513-6464.
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