After Hurricane Beryl tore through Texas last month, leaving a path of destruction in its wake, the state saw a surge in carbon monoxide poisonings. The aftermath of the storm revealed that despite promises of change following the deadly 2021 winter storm, much remains the same when it comes to preventing CO poisoning. The devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl was felt by hundreds of Texans who ended up in emergency rooms due to CO poisoning, marking the highest numbers since the winter storm. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives to CO poisoning in Harris County, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent future incidents.
Debbie Wells, 72, her husband, and her daughter were among those who fell victim to carbon monoxide poisoning after Hurricane Beryl. The family had resorted to using a portable generator to keep their air conditioning running amidst the scorching summer heat. Despite previous incidents of generator-related deaths during power outages, including the 2021 winter storm that claimed 10 lives in Texas, Wells was not concerned. They had always taken precautions by keeping the generator at a safe distance to avoid the colorless, odorless gas from seeping indoors. However, on July 11, they made a fatal mistake by moving the generator closer to their home in anticipation of the storm.
The morning after relocating the generator, Wells and her husband woke up feeling disoriented and weak. Their daughter, Jenny Hare, who lived in a trailer house connected to their home, rushed to check on them and ultimately called 911 before collapsing herself. The family was swiftly transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, where they received treatment for severe carbon monoxide poisoning under the care of Dr. Joseph Nevarez, the medical director of the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine, Wound, and Lymphedema Care at the hospital.
The absence of a carbon monoxide detector in the Wells’ home proved to be a fatal oversight. At the time of the 2021 winter storm, Texas was one of six states without a statewide mandate for CO detectors in residences. Although building codes were later updated to require detectors in new and renovated homes starting in 2022, the legislation allowed cities to opt out, leaving millions of homes and apartments unprotected. Wells emphasized the importance of having a CO detector, stating that it could have altered the outcome for her family.
Following their hospital discharge, Wells’ nephew provided them with a CO detector, prompting them to purchase two additional units for added safety. Despite the clear need for widespread CO detection measures, top Texas leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, remained unresponsive to inquiries regarding future prevention efforts. Dr. Nevarez advocated for legislation mandating CO detectors in all homes where people sleep, emphasizing the necessity of protecting all Texans from the risks of carbon monoxide exposure.
While Texas has made strides in CO detector regulations, the federal and county levels have been slow to implement comprehensive preventive measures. In Harris County, a proposal to ban certain appliances such as grills and heaters from patios and balconies in multifamily residences and apartments was presented to County Judge Lina Hidalgo in December 2021 but failed to progress. At the federal level, the Consumer Product Safety Commission proposed stricter regulations for portable generators in April 2023, aiming to lower carbon monoxide emissions and incorporate automatic shut-off mechanisms. However, no timeline has been provided for the finalization of these critical safety measures.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the surge in CO poisonings, urgent action is required to ensure the safety of Texans. The tragic loss of lives and the significant number of emergency room visits due to carbon monoxide exposure serve as stark reminders of the deadly consequences of inadequate prevention measures. It is imperative that both state and federal authorities prioritize the implementation of comprehensive regulations to protect residents from the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. The time for action is now.