November 22, 2007

CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS
A blast of winter air is on its way to the Permian Basin.  The Midland Fire Department is reminding residents of the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and how to prevent this silent killer from entering your home. 

Carbon monoxide is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel.  It inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning result in symptoms commonly mistaken for common flu and cold symptoms -- shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild headaches, and nausea. With higher levels of poisoning, the symptoms become more severe.

Having your home inspected each year at the beginning of the heating season can help avoid deadly carbon monoxide gas from leaking into your home.  A yearly inspection of your home by a professional should include a careful look at the following sources of carbon monoxide:

Furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves.   If they burn natural gas, heating oil, wood or other kinds of fuel, these appliances are potential sources of CO.

Chimneys, flues and vents. Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and for blockage by creosote or debris. Creosote buildup or leakage could cause black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue. These stains can mean that pollutants are leaking into the house. Have all vents to furnaces, water heaters or boilers checked to make sure they are not loose or disconnected.

High Temperature Plastic Venting (HTPV) pipes, which are used in mid-efficiency appliances, may separate or crack. This could allow CO from the furnace to enter a home. Homeowners with a gas-fired mid-efficiency furnace or boiler installed between 1987 and 1993 should have them inspected for cracking or separating.

Improper ventilation. Make sure that your appliances have adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel.

Charcoal grills.  Never use charcoal grills in enclosed spaces such as a home, garage, vehicle or tent, and never bring grills with live coals indoors after use.

The MFD recommends installing a UL listed Carbon Monoxide detector in your home or business.  They may be purchased at most retail stores and are fairly inexpensive.  They come in several brand names and are battery operated or plug into a standard 120v wall outlet.

AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
Midland Police have arrested three persons in connection with an Aggravated Robbery at a northwest Midland residence.

On Monday, November 19, 2007, at approximately 7:10 p.m., emergency personnel were called to the scene of 4723 Ric in reference to an injured man.  A friend discovered 66-year-old Edwin Burger on the floor of his home.  At the time, it was apparent he has been assaulted and items had been removed from the house.  Burger was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital.

On November 20, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Midland Police arrested three men in connection with the crime.  41-year-old Donald Schnidt (6-2-66), 23-year-old Robert Trabant (9-19-84), and 25-year-old Brian Green (4-2-82) are charged with Aggravated Robbery. 

Detectives were able to obtain information about the suspects after one of them used a stolen credit card at a local convenience store.  Officers worked with the clerk to obtain a license plate number.  The vehicle was stopped in Gardendale at approximately 5:15 p.m. by DPS troopers.  All three suspects were inside the pickup.  Detectives found items stolen from the residence on Ric at the home of the suspects.  Items included a stereo, DVD/VCR, and liquor. 

The suspects and victim are known to each other. 

The investigation is ongoing.   .

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