Carbon monoxide scare at Draper school
Nov 30, 2023, 9:02 PM | Updated: May 30, 2024, 11:24 am
The Draper City Fire Battalion Chief's vehicle is parked outside Draper City Hall in Draper. A Carbon monoxide scare at The American Preparatory Academy in Draper leads officials to warn about the dangers of carbon monoxide. (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect more information about hospitalizations.
DRAPER CITY, Utah — The American Preparatory Academy in Draper City had a carbon monoxide scare Wednesday. Fortunately, it was not as bad as it could have been.
The Draper City Fire Department took the opportunity to raise awareness. They said this is a great reminder about the importance of a functioning carbon monoxide alarm.
Fire Marshall Don Buckley commended the swift actions of the academy staff involved in the incident.
The source of the carbon monoxide was a power washer outside the building. The power washer forced the gas into the ventilation system, sending 14 individuals to the hospital. Fortunately, subsequent tests revealed that the carbon monoxide levels were not at dangerous levels. However, according to authorities, there were some who stayed overnight for hyperbaric treatment.
Buckley described the incident as “the perfect storm” of an accident and stressed that it could have been more severe. He called carbon monoxide “the silent killer” because it’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
Buckley also stressed that as more and more people use the heater in the winter, the fire department recommends checking carbon monoxide alarms and having HVAC systems professionally inspected to ensure they are in proper working order.
“If you start to feel dizziness, lightheaded, nauseous, or go as far as vomiting, you probably need to get to the doctor or call 911,” said Fire Marshall Buckley.
Related:
Two dead after possible carbon monoxide poisoning in Carbon County
Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises in cooler months
