Firefighters are carrying out an operation in the high-rise building on Staroszkolna Street in Bolesławiec. At around 8:00 p.m., the emergency services received a report that carbon monoxide detector alarms could be heard in the building. The signals were heard by a person passing the building, who notified the emergency services.
Firefighters are currently checking the apartments one by one for the presence of carbon monoxide and looking for the locations where the alarms were activated. In one of the apartments where an alarm went off, the detector indicated 250 PPM. Several people from a number of different apartments were evacuated.
The property manager also arrived at the scene. Building residents claim that the situation may have been caused by a bird’s nest on the roof, in a ventilation duct. In their view, similar situations have occurred before.
Update
Fortunately, none of the building’s residents required hospitalization. The apartments are being ventilated. The ventilation ducts are also to be checked for unobstructed airflow. After 9:00 p.m., the evacuated residents began returning to their apartments.
What does a carbon monoxide detector reading of 250 PPM mean?
This is a very high and dangerous-for-health concentration of carbon monoxide. Emergency instructions (Do this immediately)
- Open the windows wide and doors to ventilate the apartment.
- Turn off heating appliances (gas heater, boiler, fireplace) if you can do so quickly and safely.
- Leave the building immediately with all household members and pets.
- Call the emergency number 112 and report the carbon monoxide leak. Do not return home until the Fire Service has decided it is safe.
Health effects of a concentration of 250 PPM. Carbon monoxide blocks the supply of oxygen to the body. Staying in a room with a concentration of 250 PPM causes:
- Severe headache and dizziness within 1–2 hours.
- Nausea, vomiting and weakness in the muscles.
- Risk to life with prolonged exposure.