Carbon monoxide poisoning suspected in Kelowna death

The death of a man from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning is prompting emergency officials in Kelowna to warn the public about the dangers, especially in light of very cold temperatures heading our way.

On Tuesday, RCMP were conducting a wellness check on a man living in a trailer on Lougheed Road. The 63-year-old was found dead.

Police said there was a propane stove that was still burning, and it appeared as though the man may have been using it to keep warm. Preliminary investigation indicates the man’s death is the result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Kelowna RCMP, along with the Kelowna Fire Department are warning people that carbon monoxide can be present in your home, cottage, recreational vehicle or tent.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely.

“Early detection of carbon monoxide is paramount,” said Paul Johnson – Fire Prevention Officer with Kelowna Fire Department. “Not only must every home have a smoke alarm but it also should have a working carbon monoxide alarm”.

Having the natural gas/propane appliances in your home well-maintained regularly by a licensed contractor reduces the risk of CO exposure. Furthermore, always ensure that you use portable propane heaters, stoves and lights outdoors. Never use them within an unventilated enclosure.

“With the cold weather in effect and extreme cold anticipated in the coming days, the Kelowna RCMP is working closely with the City to support the community in conducting wellness checks of the homeless,” says Inspector Adam MacIntosh - Operations Officer of Kelowna Detachment. “Our frontline officers will be handing out items such as socks, gloves and hats and will be working closely with the shelters in efforts to prevent cold weather injuries or fatalities”.

Some safety tips:

• Smoke and CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.