Ames Fire Department responded to a call that carbon monoxide alarms at ChildServe, 1915 Philadelphia St., had been activated. The call was received at 1:07 p.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 23).
On arrival, firefighters began monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) levels and recorded levels of as high as 87 parts per million in the childcare portions of the building. Many CO monitors are programmed to alarm at 35 parts per million, and several alarms at ChildServe had been triggered. ChildServe employees implemented their existing evacuation plan and relocated 75 children (infants through 5 years old) and 50 staff members to a nearby building. The group was displaced for approximately 45 minutes.
High-powered electric fans were used to ventilate the entire structure. There were no injuries or exposures reported. The high CO resulted from inadequate ventilation by a crew operating gas-powered equipment while working on an addition in the same building.
“This is a good reminder of how well carbon monoxide detectors can provide an early warning of the presence of deadly carbon monoxide gas,” said Deputy Fire Chief Tom Hackett. “Remember not to use generators, grills, gasoline or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage.”
If your carbon monoxide detector is sounding alarm or if you are suffering from some of the common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1.
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