The actions of attentive neighbors may have saved a mother and her two children last Thursday after the family spent several hours inhaling the deadly fumes from their generator.

Chief Rick Tassin with Fire Protection District 4 said his department received a call at 10:38 a.m. from concerned residents in the Deloaks Subdivision near Mandeville last week after they discovered their neighbor and her two children severely ill in their home.

“A next door neighbor reported that she had not seen the occupants all day,” Tassin said in a statement released Monday. After smelling exhaust fumes emanating from the house, the attentive neighbors rushed inside and removed the three occupants, placing them on the porch until emergency crews arrived. “The neighbors should be commended for checking on their other neighbors,” Tassin said.

Hazardous materials technicians with FD4 wearing protective breathing apparatus entered the home and found 200 parts per million of carbon monoxide saturating the air.

“An investigation determined the excessive levels of carbon monoxide were caused by a portable gasoline powered generator operating inside the closed up residence,” Tassin said.

Crews transported the family to St. Tammany Parish Hospital. While the hospital could not confirm their conditions without consent, it is believed they were released.

Death from carbon monoxide poisoning can occur after several hours of exposure.

Common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu-like symptoms, headache, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness.

In the midst of hurricane season, where power outages become commonplace, Tassin said people should learn the safest methods when using a generator.

“Never use generators inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation,” Tassin said. “Locate the unit outdoors and far from doors, windows and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.”

Tassin also suggested installing battery-operated CO alarms throughout the house. More generator safety tips can be found on the parish Web site at www.stpgov.org or by calling your local fire department.