Beware of Carbon Monoxide

By Chief Wade Watkins

After 20-plus years working as a firefighter, I have developed a sense of trepidation when dealing with carbon monoxide. I have experienced some close calls where community members were minutes away from passing away following exposure. Many times, carbon monoxide poisoning presents itself with just a feeling of illness. Knowing how to identify a hazardous situation is key to keeping you, your family and the community safe. Below is some key information from the CDC are encourage you to become familiar with on how to stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you.

Where is CO found?

CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flulike.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they experience symptoms.

Who is at risk from CO poisoning?

Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.

The CDC recommends you install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Place your detector where it will wake you up if it alarms, such as outside your bedroom.

How can I prevent CO poisoning in my home?

Education is key to recognizing the lookout situations. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm for more information on improving your situational awareness to this hazard.

Secondary Water System Maintenance

Maintenance on Riverton City’s secondary water irrigation system will begin shortly.

Please ensure your valve is closed as soon as possible to prevent flooding.

Irrigation water is scheduled to be available for use by May 1.

Please ensure your ball valve is closed.

Be part of a Riverton tradition and come participate in one of the valley’s best races. Medals and prizes will be awarded for participants and winners.

Late registration has begun and continues online through race day. Cost is $50 for the half or $30 for the 5K. Races begin at 9 a.m. at Riverton City Park. Register at: rivertonutah.gov/half

Start Smart Kids Sports

Spring Clean Up Days

Register kids ages 3-5 in spring baseball, soccer and multi-sport Start Smart Sports programs to help them learn the basics. Register at rivertonutah.gov/startsmart.

• Registration opens March 6, programs begin May 2.

Join Riverton City’s pickleball league to play in a fun, social and competitive environment. Partners rotate weekly. Sessions begin in April.

• Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball.

Dumpsters for trash, cardboard and tree branches will help you with spring clean up! For Riverton resident use only. See details at rivertonutah.gov/beautiful.

• April 15 & April 22, Riverton City Park & Western Springs Park

Come see artwork from middle school students from across Jordan School District at the Old Dome Meeting Hall. Visit Monday through Wednesday from Noon to 5 p.m.

• Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, April 5, 2023