On December 24th just before noon Mt. Penn was dispatched along with Lower Alsace (Co4) to 103 N. 23rd St. in the Boro for a report of a carbon monoxide alarm with symptoms. Arriving crews found high levels, over 100 ppm (parts per million) at that address. On checking the neighboring property at 101 N. 23rd they found readings of over 250 ppm in the basement and first floor. All occupants were evaluated on the scene by EMS personnel from Squad 555 (Lower Alsace EMS). Further investigation found that the high readings were caused by a blocked chimney at 101 N. 23rd. The furnace was secured until the owner could make arrangements for cleaning. Units were able to return just before 1p.m.
We ask that you please call 911 if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, regardless of the time of day or night so we can investigate. This type of incident can quickly turn tragic. Please have your furnace and fireplace cleaned and serviced annually. The same goes for your chimney to ensure it is clean and not blocked. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector when you change the batteries in your smoke detector.
