Watch CBS News

Authorities Warn Of Carbon Monoxide Danger After Recent Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Minnesota woman who lost her daughter to carbon monoxide poisoning 10 years ago is urging families to know the dangers of the deadly gas.

Officials say when it's cold, the risk of carbon monoxide deaths increases. Just this past Wednesday, a 39-year-old man and his 11-year-old daughter were found dead in a camper in Rice Lake Township. Two other teenagers were airlifted to the Twin Cities, and there has been no word on their conditions.

The fire department says high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the camper where they were found, and a generator was found nearby.

This latest case is putting prevention efforts in the forefront. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it's something you can't taste or smell.

Melissa Griggs knows the dangers firsthand. Her daughter, Hannah, was 3-and-a-half years old when she died in 2004 due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Griggs was instrumental in getting "Hannah's Law" passed, which requires carbon monoxide alarms in Minnesota within 10 feet of every bedroom.

Griggs, along with public safety officials, took time Friday morning to urge the community to be vigilant and aware of carbon monoxide dangers.

December is the busiest month for carbon monoxide calls to local fire departments, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  The statewide average is about 258 calls.

The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are a dull headache, weakness, vomiting and dizziness.

In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health reported 18 carbon monoxide deaths.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.