Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can only be detected through working CO detectors. If exposed to CO for too long, the results could be fatal. Fortunately Monday night residents on Williams Way in Valley Township did the right thing and called 911 when their detector alerted them of CO.

The Westwood Fire Company answered the call with Rescue 44 and Ambulance 44-1. Firefighters arrived to find the house evacuated and reports that indicated their CO alarm had been going off but had since stopped. Ambulance 44-1 crews assessed the residents to assure there was not any exposure to CO.

Early symptoms of CO exposure include headache, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath or confusion. People may have irreversible brain damage or even be killed before anyone realizes there's a problem.

Fortunately firefighters had no indication of CO being present in the home after checking it with their CO meter. The residents were advised to look into new CO detectors which are recommended to be replaced every 7 years.