As severe storms continue to sweep across the Southeast, many residents are turning to generators to keep their homes powered. However, a Cherokee County couple is urging others to be aware of the hidden dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning after a recent close call.
Last week, a powerful storm knocked out power in the Cherokee County home of Marko and Kimberlie Pekez, leaving the family of six and their dog relying on a generator to keep their air conditioning running. The family had just settled in for the night when their carbon monoxide detector suddenly went off.
“We could have all died easily. It was scary,” said Kimberlie Pekez, reflecting on the near-tragedy.
Marko Pekez quickly acted, shutting off the generator as soon as the alarm sounded. Unbeknownst to them at the time, the carbon monoxide levels inside their home had reached dangerous levels.
Their alarm system promptly alerted emergency services. “We got dispatched out for a CO alarm,” said Cherokee County Fire Captain Justin Williams.
Aware that the storm had left many residents relying on generators, firefighters immediately began testing the air quality in the Pekez home. “It is a colorless, odorless gas, so you can’t smell it. At high levels, it can be dangerous,” Capt. Williams explained.
Tests revealed that the carbon monoxide in the home was at lethal levels, and the family was ordered to evacuate immediately. Fire officials believe the generator’s exhaust had seeped into the home through the soffits and into the floorboards.
The family experienced symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure, with their son feeling dizzy and their daughter suffering from headaches. Firefighters closely monitored them to ensure they were unharmed.
“It still chokes me up thinking about it,” said Kimberlie, visibly emotional over the incident.
Now, the Pekezes are urging others to take carbon monoxide safety seriously. Kimberlie advises residents to regularly test their carbon monoxide detectors and to take any alarm seriously. “Open the windows, get outside, call 911, and let the firefighters handle it,” she said. “They saved our lives without a doubt.”
Firefighters are reminding the public to test their carbon monoxide detector batteries regularly, just as they would for smoke detectors. They also caution that detectors older than 10 years should be replaced.
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