Our View: Deaths show need to beware of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and often strikes after storms as people improvise heat and electricity. Basic tips include not operating a portable generator indoors or near a window

Lenawee County residents who stowed away their snow shovels during last weekend's warm weather may be grumbling about today's snow storm. It could be worse, though, as shown by the six tragic deaths of a Fenton Township family last weekend from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to news reports, the family had lost electricity after a storm Friday night. They connected a generator to a basement propane tank, but the carbon monoxide built up and fire department officials were quoted saying family members "dropped where they were."

Winter isn't over yet, and Consumers Energy officials reminded residents that snow due today and tomorrow, Feb. 24-25, is likely to be heavy and wet. Combined with potentially high wind gusts, customers in various parts of the state could lose power.

Safety is essential when improvising home heat and electricity. Not only is this a time of year when carbon monoxide becomes a more common killer, but the National Fire Protection Association notes that half of home heating fires occur annually in this current three-month period between December and February. These accidents frequently occur due to misuse of space heaters, wood burning stoves and fireplaces.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it to warm it. Never run any fueled engine or motor indoors, even if your garage doors are open. A generator should be placed outside. Also, be sure exhaust pipes and vents are not covered in snow. Homeowners should test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.

There are also ways to reduce the risk of fire injuries. First, turn space heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed, and make sure furniture, blankets, bedding and clothing are not near the heating equipment. A sturdy screen in front of a fireplace can prevent sparks from flying into the room.

Of course, fireplace installation should follow manufacturer directions in the first place, and all work should be inspected.

Winter isn't over yet, and we hope needless tragedies can be avoided for as long as its storms affect the region.