PLYMOUTH, PA – A Luzerne County family is recovering after a narrow escape from carbon monoxide poisoning on Tuesday morning. Eleven people, including seven children, were rushed to the hospital after a teenager in the home detected the smell of gas and alerted the household. While carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, the secondary smell from a potential leak or appliance malfunction allowed the occupants to evacuate in time. All 11 individuals are expected to make a full recovery following the incident.
First responders are utilizing this close call as a vital warning for residents during the winter months. When temperatures drop, homeowners often seal their houses tightly to retain heat, which can inadvertently trap carbon monoxide inside if heating systems are not properly vented. Authorities are urging the public to install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of their homes and near sleeping areas, as these devices are often the only way to detect the "silent killer" before it becomes fatal.