MADISON, Wis. — Working carbon monoxide alarms helped save a Madison household from a “significant” CO leak Monday afternoon.
According to an incident report, officials responded to the 3700 block of Sussex Lane at around 1 p.m. after the alarms went off and the residents reported feeling ill. The occupants quickly went outside and waited for firefighters.
Crews entered the home with an air monitor and confirmed CO readings in the basement, with levels hitting 800 parts per million. For reference, continued exposure to levels of 150-200 parts per million can lead to disorientation, unconsciousness and death.
Firefighters ventilated the residence and discovered a problem with the home’s water heater, as its exhaust vent was obstructed and caused carbon monoxide to build up inside the basement. No family members were in the basement at the time, and the CO alarms went off before anyone experienced serious symptoms.
Madison Gas & Electric shut down the water heater, and the owner has since made arrangements to have it serviced.
Firefighters proceeded to ventilate the home until it was once again safe to return. The occupants had their symptoms monitored at the scene, and none of them requested to be taken to a hospital.
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