KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – In a tragic incident over the weekend, three individuals lost their lives due to a carbon monoxide leak in a neighborhood largely made up of Spanish-speaking residents. The incident left one man in critical condition, as reported by Kansas City Fire and Rescue.
The leak occurred on Saturday inside a home near Fuller Avenue and 10th Street, where a generator was being used indoors. According to Fire Chief Michael Hopkins, the tragic event highlights the need for increased education and awareness within the Spanish-speaking population about the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of generator safety.
To address this need, KCFD is taking proactive measures to reach out to the Hispanic community. Their efforts include distributing informational pamphlets and handouts to churches, schools, organizations, and Spanish radio stations. Additionally, they plan to conduct interviews and public safety announcements with Spanish-speaking members of the community to effectively communicate these vital messages.
Andrea Garcia, a representative from the Mattie Rhodes Center, emphasized the importance of providing information to the community in a non-pushy and accessible manner. She also highlighted the need to distribute carbon monoxide detectors, as not everyone may be familiar with where to obtain them.
As the community comes to terms with this tragedy, it is crucial for all residents, regardless of their background, to understand the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of taking necessary precautions for their safety. Anyone in need of a CO detector is encouraged to contact healthy.homes@kcmo.org.