SHAKOPEE, Minn. — Shakopee public safety officials say eight people are recovering after suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning early Tuesday.
A city spokesman says police were dispatched to a townhome on the 1500 block of Coneflower Lane after a resident called 911 to report three people inside the home were sick. Fire rigs and Allina EMS crews were also dispatched to the scene.
All eight people inside the residence were found to be conscious, but were eventually taken to Hennepin County Medical Center where they were found to have moderate levels of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A woman at the townhome later told KARE 11's Charmaine Nero that all of her family members had been released from the hospital and are recovering.
"Last night, a little after 11 o'clock, we got called out to three individuals in a residence who weren't feeling too well, flu like symptoms," said Shakopee Fire Department chief, Rick Coleman. "We found that there were high levels of carbon monoxide in the house, so we evacuated the house."
Fire crews took air readings at adjoining units, but all checked out OK.
Shakopee Fire Chief Rick Coleman says crews from Centerpoint Energy are on site at the townhome checking out the furnace to determine the source of the carbon monoxide. First responders were unable to locate any carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
In a post on the department's Facebook page, Shakopee FD stressed the importance of CO detectors, and urges those who have them to perform regular operational checks and change batteries a minimum of once per year.
Twin Cities author, comedian and media personality Sheletta Bundridge can attest to the importance of carbon monoxide detectors, and the human cost of not having them. Five family members died in November of 2020 when CO from a generator filled their Louisiana home in the wake of Hurricane Laura. They did not have detectors to warn them about what was happening.
"You need them in your ice house, you need them on every level of your home, you need them wherever you are in your RV or at your cabin," Brundidge told KARE at the time of the deaths.
Since that time Brundidge has worked with First Alert to make carbon monoxide detectors available to those who otherwise may not be able to afford them. If you need one log on to her website.
On average, carbon monoxide poisoning accounts for 400 yearly deaths in the United States — 14 in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas created when a fuel is burned. Dangerous concentrations can build up indoors and cause illness before many people realize they're being poisoned.
Shakopee fire officials say there are resources available to help those who may need a safety check or help finding resources to purchase a carbon monoxide detector.
In St. Paul, homeowners can seek help through Project Safe Haven. The free program allows firefighters to visit homes to check carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms or offers assistance purchasing one for your home.
The Weatherization Assistance Program provides free home energy upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters, providing furnace checks.
For more resources to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home, visit the website here.