The Emporia Fire Department is encouraging you to check on carbon monoxide levels, either at home or at work, after two instances this month where reported gas leaks led to the discovery of carbon monoxide instead.
Battalion Chief Rich Gould says carbon monoxide is the direct result of incomplete combustion, and depending on the situation it can build up quickly or slowly. Regardless, symptoms can include a dull headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, nausea or vomiting — in some cases, exactly what you could feel if you have the flu.
One woman was observed on site after a buildup of carbon monoxide at 806 Market on Monday night. Further medical attention was not needed.
Meanwhile, Emporia Pawn had to be evacuated briefly on Feb. 8 due to carbon monoxide. Nobody was hospitalized after that incident.
9:30 pm Monday: Carbon monoxide triggers natural gas leak call to EFD
One woman received medical attention on site after a reported gas leak at her house led to the discovery of carbon monoxide gas instead.
Fire crews were paged to 806 Market shortly before 6:30 pm. Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Rich Gould says crews found a high level of carbon monoxide in the house, with issues with the gas furnace and gas water heater the likely cause.
The woman declined a hospital trip afterward, and Gould says no trip was warranted. The woman had to stay elsewhere for the night until the appliances are thoroughly checked.
