UPDATE: Carbon monoxide leak at Vancouver home sends five people to hospital

A carbon monoxide leak at a home on Vancouver’s westside has sent as many as five people to hospital this morning.

A call came into fire and ambulance officials just after midnight.

Four ambulances and police arrived at a home on West 34th Avenue.

Two adults and three children were reportedly found semi-conscious and confused at the front door. BC Ambulance Service says three ambulances took patients to BC Children’s Hospital and one took a patient to Vancouver General Hospital.

Firefighters had to shut down the gas service to the home and ventilate the residence.

There’s no information yet on the extent of any injuries or what caused the incident.

Carbon monoxide has no odor and is poisonous. It can make a person feel sick and can be deadly.

Tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• When warming a vehicle, move it out of the garage. Do not run a fueled engine indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked.
• Clear snow away.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• Clear all debris from dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace vents.
• A generator should be used outdoors. Use in a well-ventilated location away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO. Only use them outside.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
• Open the damper when using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
• Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.