Close encounter with carbon monoxide

People who own homes or rent homes in the Princeton area have very often  a part time job operating the limousine service. The job involves driving the kids to their activities and for socializing with friends during the week and on weekends . My kids have friends over one hour away and today we took them to a friend in Philadelphia.

We were instructed by the kids in no uncertain terms to not come back for at least three hours. What is a parent to do? We went to a restaurant to have dinner.

We were enjoying our meal, when we heard screams that a woman was passing out. My husband who is certified to give CPR, rushed over. Then the pandemonium unfolded. Other people started passing out. The husband of the first woman who passed out was screaming in panic when his little girl passed out. Adults were carrying out kids slumped over their shoulder.

I was starting to feel dizzy, but attributed it to the panic getting to me. When I started shaking, I knew to get out.

It took at least 5-10 minutes before the rescue units arrived. The restaurant and then the whole strip mall where it was located were evacuated. The paramedics told us that it was most likely carbon monoxide leak.

I am not sure what precautions, in terms of carbon monoxide or another environmental threat, we can take when going to a public place.

In our home we are always vigilant about carbon monoxide detectors. This encounter made it all to visual and real to see that it’s not just a theoretical threat – it is very real and could be deadly.

P.S. Watch this on the channel 6 news . According to the Fire Chief the carbon monoxide reached deadly levels.

Please be safe and check your carbon monoxide detectors.

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Please contact Faina Sechzer at 609-553-4175 when looking for real estate, homes for sale and/or listing your house to sell, and relocation assistance in Princeton, Montgomery Township, West Windsor, Hopewell, and Lawrenceville New Jersey. Referrals are accepted.
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