KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of three individuals due to a carbon monoxide leak, a man is currently in critical condition. The dangerous leak occurred over the weekend inside a home near Fuller Avenue and 10th Street, where a generator was being used. The Kansas City Fire and Rescue team believe that the neighborhood, which is predominantly Spanish-speaking, requires special attention to ensure the community is well-informed about the dangers and risks associated with carbon monoxide.
Michael Hopkins, Fire Chief, expressed concern over the trend of carbon monoxide incidents in the area, emphasizing the importance of preventing further tragedies. To address this, the KCFD is taking proactive steps to educate the Spanish-speaking population about the significance of carbon monoxide detectors and generator safety. These efforts include distributing informational materials to local churches, schools, organizations, and collaborating with Spanish radio stations to reach a wider audience.
Moreover, Andrea Garcia from the Mattie Rhodes Center, an organization known for its advocacy for the Hispanic community, highlighted the importance of delivering information in a non-pushy but accessible manner. She stressed the value of providing crucial information during community events such as family giveaways, where there is an opportunity to engage with residents directly.
Garcia also emphasized the necessity of explaining the basics of carbon monoxide and its associated dangers, recognizing that not everyone grew up with this knowledge. In addition, she suggested exploring ways to provide carbon monoxide detectors to those in need, acknowledging that not everyone may know where to obtain them.
The KCFD has also made it possible for residents in need of carbon monoxide detectors to contact them via email at [email protected]. This approach aims to ensure the community’s safety and raise awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning, ultimately preventing future tragedies.