Every year, more than 400 people die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. The Barbee family was very close to becoming part of that statistic. Thankfully, they were saved before it was too late.
The power went out at the Barbee’s home, and they were relying on a gas fireplace to heat their home. What they didn’t know was that the fireplace was releasing deadly carbon monoxide into their house.
“My 92-year-old mother was sleeping on the couch right in front of the fireplace,” Curtis Barbee said. “We could have lost a big part of our family.”
Thankfully, the Barbees had a CPI Security system installed with carbon monoxide detection. Their Smart CO detector detected the odorless and tasteless gas, alerting them and CPI’s Central Station to the danger that lurked before them.
CPI’s Central Station contacted the Barbees and the West Stanly Fire Department to alert them of the CO alarm. The fire department arrived at the Barbees and detected high levels of CO in the home. Thankfully, the Barbees had already exited the home before it was too late.
Shortly after the event, the Barbees were reunited with the first responders who saved them from the carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, CPI Security donated $1,000 to the West Stanly Fire Department to further their protection of the Stanly County community.
The West Stanly Fire Department and CPI Security encourage you to protect yourself from carbon monoxide this winter. Below are a few ways to protect yourself:
- Having a UL-approved battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home. Batteries should be checked monthly, and batteries replaced when you change your clocks.
- If your carbon monoxide detector alarms, do not hesitate. Go outside and call 911 immediately.
- Have a qualified professional check all fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit our blog.
