MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Fire investigators are reminding the public toknow the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This, after a carbon monoxide scareThursday evacuated more than a thousand students at a Shelby County school:Kate Bond Middle.
A Memphis Fire Department spokesperson said Kate Bond middlestudents did not test positive for carbon monoxide, but SCS closed the schoolFriday for more air quality checks.
“They were all scared, they didn’t really know what was goingon,” Kate Bond Middle parent Shannon Morales said.
Friday, Morales recapped the tense moments Thursday afternoonafter a possible carbon monoxide scare forced 1100 middle school students toevacuate to Kate Bond Elementary next door.
“The principals, the teachers, all the staff, they handed itreally great, they did really good getting them out,” Morales said.
Four students went to the hospital after complaining of nausea anddizziness, both symptoms of possible carbon monoxide exposure.
“Erring on the side of caution is always a good thing,”Brent Perkins with the Shelby County Fire Department said.
While first responders said tests did not find traces of carbonmonoxide in the school, Perkins said staff properly handled the situation.
“They are to be taken very seriously, never underestimatewhat that gas is capable of doing,” Perkins said.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, which makeshaving proper detectors so important.
“Most CO detectors should be mounted down low in the floor,as that gas is typically heavier and will generally sink,” Perkins said.
Those risks turned tragic in February 2018, when three people,including a four-year-old boy, died inside a Northaven home. Authorities said agenerator in the garage was used to power the home and the fumes became deadly.
“That does remind everyone: use caution, don’t heat yourhomes with your ovens, check your gas appliances,” Perkins said.
As of Friday afternoon, crews were still trying to pinpoint whatexactly made the Kate Bond Middle School students sick Thursday.
A Shelby County Schools spokesperson said testing will continuethrough Saturday as an extra precaution.