Family sickened Tuesday by carbon monoxide

A Lampasas family was transported to Rollins Brook Community Hospital Tuesday morning by Capital Ambulance after local firefighters detected unsafe levels of carbon monoxide inside their 1203 W. North Avenue home.

Lampasas Fire Chief Terry Lindsey said a call came in at 7:30 a.m. that notified the department the family of four was complaining of headaches.

Fire officials turned off the gas at the home's furnace, which was where the problem was determined to have started, Lindsey said.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning is from a furnace not burning properly," the fire chief said.

He encouraged residents not only to have smoke detectors in their homes but also to have carbon monoxide detectors installed.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by appliances and other devices that burn gas, wood and other fuels.

Poor ventilation or improper functioning by the appliance can lead to a buildup of the potentially fatal gas.

A dull headache is the most common early symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning. Other signs include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and loss of consciousness. The fumes can be fatal before any realizes there is a problem, therefore the use of carbon monoxide detectors -- particularly near bedrooms -- is recommended.