Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Experts Sound Off on Avoiding Fatal Accident in Vacation Rental Homes

Families planning to book a vacation rental home for their summer holidays should be wary of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and be aware of the ways to prevent this accident. Unknown to many travelers, this has been a common issue among hotels and resorts for the last two decades.

According to Fox News, not every state nor country have strict requirements for installing carbon monoxide detectors in vacation accommodations. Thus, the responsibility for checking if there are safety standards for air quality in a rental home lie on the travelers.

Bobby Davidson of HomePro Chesapeake Inc., a home inspection service provider, suggested packing a carbon monoxide detector during the family's summer trip. There are quality detectors that cost just under $30 and are light and small enough to pack in the suitcase.

He even suggested packing at least two detectors to place on the ground level and the sleeping area, if the rental home is large or has two floors. The inspector also recommended battery-operated detectors to do away with the electrical outlet issues, especially for vacations overseas.

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American tourists died of carbon monoxide poisoning in the Bahamas

The warning comes as three American tourists died because of carbon monoxide poisoning during their trip to the Bahamas last May 2022. Michael Phillips, 68, his wife, Robbie Phillips, 65, and their friend, Vincent Chiarella, 64, were found dead inside their villa at the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort. Chiarella's wife, Donnis, 65, was still breathing when she was airlifted to a Florida hospital, where she has recovered.

According to NBC News, the pairs went to a medical facility the night before their deaths because they complained of an illness. They were given treatments but returned to their rented villa, where they failed to wake up in the morning.

The local police considered the incident isolated. Nonetheless, Sandals Emerald Bay Resort has since installed carbon monoxide detectors in their rooms.

In 2018, an Iowa family with two young children was also found dead at their rented condominium in Tulum, Mexico. Kevin and Amy Sharp, along with their kids, Sterling and Adrianna, were supposed to be enjoying their summer in the Caribbean but they died due to toxic gas inhalation.

In 2019, a family of 13 avoided a tragic outcome for their holiday in a Tahoe rental home, which did not have detectors. Some of them were starting to feel sick until two family members decided to go to a hospital, where doctors determined they had high carbon monoxide levels.

Upon inspecting the property, the family learned that the house had six times the maximum recommended indoor carbon monoxide level. They were not aware because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless.

Ask important questions before booking a vacation house or room

Anthony Roman, who runs a risk management firm, advised traveling families to include carbon monoxide detectors in their travel checklist. Stan Sandberg, a travel insurance expert, also told USA Today that travelers must ask pertinent questions about their rental accommodations management and maintenance, heating and airconditioning, gas appliances, and other utilities before confirming the booking.

Davidson also suggested getting right down to the matter and inquiring about the carbon monoxide detector and asking about its last check. The property may also have a generator that should never be indoors.

Once the families reach their rental homes, they must immediately check where the detectors are installed and ensure that these are not blocked by curtains, decorative ornaments, or furniture.

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