Children in Almaty unknowingly exposed to fatal gas in carbon monoxide incident
In the heart of Almaty, a tragedy struck a private residence in Tursib: Four individuals, including two minors, were afflicted by a silent killer—carbon monoxide. The incident unfolded in the early hours of a dwelling in the Almerek microdistrict.
Rescue teams and emergency services raced to the scene, arriving just in time to thwart a looming fire. Fortunately, all four victims were treated promptly and their lives are no longer in peril. The homeowner now faces administrative charges for flouting fire safety regulations.
"Touring the site, it was discovered that the unfortunate family of four was poisoned by carbon monoxide as a result of disregarding procedures when operating the heating stove," said Arman Baigelov, Almaty's deputy head of the Department of Emergency Situations.
Unrelenting in their pursuit of safety, emergency services have been conducting daily preventive inspections since the onset of the heating season. Specialists dish out advice on safely operating household appliances and stoves, aiming to curb mishaps.
"We took it upon ourselves to inspect residential houses, particularly those occupied by vulnerable families. We offered guidance on fire safety standards for stoves and electrical equipment, and carried out checks on carbon monoxide detectors that had previously been installed," shared Aynur Kalimoldanov, senior engineer at the Emergency Situations Department of Tursib district.
So far this year, nearly 250 fires have occurred in private homes across Almaty, resulting in 17 individuals sustaining injuries. Most blazes are attributed to malfunctioning chimneys and unchecked stove usage[2]. To combat this, 97 carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in vulnerable homes, courtesy of local administrations.
However, specific details about the city's guidance on safeguarding against carbon monoxide poisoning from domestic stoves remain elusive. In such cases, it's recommended to consult local authorities or emergency services directly for precise advice. In the meantime, some general precautions include:
- Appropriate Installation and Maintenance: Ensure that stoves and heating systems are correctly installed and serviced regularly by competent technicians, maintaining optimum ventilation[3].
- Early Detection System: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, preferably in sleeping areas, to get timely alerts on the presence of CO.
- Ventilation: Encourage ventilation throughout your home by cracking open windows and activating exhaust fans to expel exhaust fumes.
- Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect your stove and heating systems for any signs of wear or defects.
- Right Fuel: Utilize the right fuels for your stove and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Given the recent carbon monoxide poisoning incident in Tursib district, it's crucial to adhere to proper safety guidelines in the use of stoves and heating systems, as advised by the Emergency Situations Department of Tursib district.
- In light of the increasing number of domestic fires in Almaty and the associated risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it's essential to install carbon monoxide detectors and ensure regular maintenance of stoves and heating systems for improved health and wellness, as recommended by the Department of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Emergency Situations Department.
