High Levels of Carbon Monoxide Cause Evacuation of Nursing Home
HAMILTON, ON – April 21, 2016 – The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of an alarm condition in a three storey building, Victoria Gardens Long Term Care, located at 176 Victoria Avenue North, Hamilton at approximately 10:31 am this morning
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire alarm system indicated a problem in the basement and upon further investigation found no fire but discovered elevated readings of carbon monoxide in the basement.
Carbon monoxide levels as high as 400 ppm was reported by firefighters in the area of the service room in the basement and 130 – 200 ppm in the upper floors. As this building is a licensed Care Occupancies, with 71 occupants; a multiple alarm was then initiated to bring additional fire crews to the scene to assist in evacuating residents to areas where there was no carbon monoxide present. There were no reported injuries. Fire crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of carbon monoxide to allow a representative from Union Gas and a private heating contractor to locate the source.
The representative from Union Gas and a private heating contractor confirmed that the boiler and chimney were the source of the problem. Continuous exposure to CO at a level of 150ppm can cause serious health issues in as little as four hours.
Headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms are all symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you or your family members are experiencing any combination of these symptoms you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If these symptoms are less severe when you are outside of the home it may also be a sign of a carbon monoxide problem within the house.
- If you feel that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning you should call 911 as well as seek appropriate medical attention.
If your carbon monoxide alarm activates, get everyone outside immediately and call 911 from a safe location. It is preferred that you leave all windows and doors closed provided everyone has left the house. This will allow a more accurate reading of CO levels to be measured when Hamilton Fire Department personnel respond. Any open doors or windows may allow CO gases to dissipate before the arrival of emergency crews.
For information on fire & carbon monoxide safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905-546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.