ROCK SPRINGS – A killer is running free through the neighborhoods of Rock Springs. A lot is known about this killer but it has never been seen. You can lock your doors and windows but it is already in your house, just waiting for the opportunity to strike.

Carbon Monoxide continues to be at the top of the list of killers in every community. While most know it as a colorless, odorless gas, Rock Springs Fire Chief Lyle Armstrong explained a little more about this dangerous gas.

Carbon Monoxide is a chemical that causes asphyxiation when it attaches to the hemoglobin in the blood and doesn’t let go. Armstrong said it bonds to blood cells with 200 times more affinity than oxygen making it impossible for oxygen to overtake the carbon monoxide in cells.

It also has a density which is lighter than air and it can even migrate through walls. Armstrong said many times, especially in the winter, people will go to their garage and start their cars. Often, not long after starting the car, Carbon Monoxide detectors will start going off leaving people wondering what the problem is, Armstrong explained. He stressed that cars can emit enough Carbon Monoxide to cause sickness and set off alarms. Armstrong said that residents should pull the car out of the garage to allow the gas to disperse.

“Cyanide does the same thing that carbon monoxide does,” Armstrong said.

The main cause of residential Carbon Monoxide poisoning  is fuel-burning appliances. The first and most important line of defense is a carbon monoxide detector. They should be placed in a central location in the home, and it is also recommended to put them near sleeping areas in the home.

While most hardware stores sell several different brands, most only go off at a high level of CO in the air. These models provide ample warning for families, but don’t detect minor emissions such as those from a furnace just starting to develop an issue. Vaughn’s Plumbing, as well as other appliance dealers, have access to carbon monoxide detectors which register a much lower level of Carbon Monoxide in the air. Keaton West and Gavin Cross of Vaughan’s added that not only is it important to have a Carbon Monoxide detector but also to check the batteries regularly and make sure they are in working condition.

Another important thing West pointed out is to use common sense. He said heating a home with an oven is not safe. He explained they have seen a lot of dangerous situations including people using weed burners in place of broken heaters and although most dryers are electric now, using gas dryer vents to heat the crawlspace of a home is a very bad idea.

In addition, Armstrong said residents using gas appliances should have them checked annually by a professional. If a resident has a detector go off, get to safety and call the fire department immediately. Armstrong said families can use the same escape route they have in case of a fire to get out and away from the house before calling 911.

“Do not hesitate to call the fire department,” Armstrong emphasized.

As the fire department starts to investigate, Armstrong said they work closely with Questar Gas to locate the source of the carbon monoxide leak.

In 2012, the RSFD responded to approximately 23 carbon monoxide alarms. Sweetwater County Fire District No. 1 also responded to several alarms in the more rural areas of the county.

As for appliances themselves, the boys from Vaughan’s go through carbon monoxide training every couple of years. This training lets them take a closer look at appliances and issues they can have.

With heaters, Cross said dirty filters could be a tip the heater is having issues. He said it is important to keep filters maintained, cleaned and changed regularly. With water heaters, Cross said rust is a big sign of trouble. Another problem sign is water on the floor. West added that if a home is losing water pressure it could be due to problems with the water heater.

West and Cross said the life expectancy of a water heater is 10 years while a furnace is between 17 and 20 years when properly maintained.

Whether in the city or in the rural areas of Sweetwater County, the precautions against Carbon Monoxide poisoning do not change. Sweetwater County Fire District No. 1 Chief Jim Wamsley echoed Armstrong and the Staff at Vaughn’s recommendations to have detectors, have a licensed professional check appliances and perform proper maintenance with batteries and filters.

Fire District No. 1 also sees more propane use in rural areas. Wamsley said it is not any different than natural gas. One thing Wamsley did point out which many people may not know has to do with ovens.

He told a story of how they entered a home after being called out for a carbon monoxide alarm. going through the house taking readings, they noticed high readings from the oven. One of the volunteers who was on scene is an employee at Questar Gas. He explained that the tin foil people put on the racks in the stove to catch spills enhances the carbon monoxide.

Another big challenge they face is the winds. Wamsley said many times the winds will go into the vents and push the Carbon Monoxide back into the home.

“Overall, just make sure everything is in good, working order,” Wamsley stressed.