YARMOUTH — Police in Massachusetts say a 97-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman were found dead outside their homes in different towns after this week’s blizzard.
An officer found Richard MacLean Sr.’s body next to a carbon dioxide exhaust vent on his Yarmouth home on Cape Cod on Wednesday evening. MacLean’s son in Arizona had called police to check on his father.
Authorities believe MacLean died while trying to clear the vent.
Police also say Olive Dupuis was found dead next to her car outside her home in Salem yesterday morning. Officials told The Salem News that Dupuis may have frozen to death after possibly being injured in a fall or suffering a medical condition.
The causes of the deaths are under investigation. Police don’t suspect foul play in either case.
“Basically, stay indoors, especially the elderly, unless it is life-essential such as a special appointment,” said Baystate Medical Center’s Vice Chair of Emergency Medicine Dr. Joseph Schmidt, adding that elderly folks traversing icy conditions should be accompanied for their forays outside.
“Have someone you can hold onto and someone – whether it is a neighbor or a relative – who is salting or sanding your stairs and walkways for you,” said Schmidt.
“Most of our seniors, when they see the weather is bad, they don’t go out, which is our recommendation to them,” said Tina Gorman, executive director of the Westfield Council on Aging. “When you see ice coming down and freezing rain, don’t go out.”
During winter months, there is an increased risk associated with carbon monoxide poisoning which can build up quickly in enclosed spaces. It is an odorless, colorless gas found in improperly functioning or inadequately vented heating systems, gas stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, automobiles and gas-fired small engines, including generators. Because it can’t be seen, smelled, tasted or heard, carbon monoxide is extremely hazardous. Every year, hundreds of people die in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands more end up in hospital emergency rooms.
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Higher levels of carbon monoxide inhalation can lead to loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses, especially the flu.
People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms so installing carbon monoxide detectors provides the best protection. Detectors should be installed on every level of your home and within 10 feet of bedroom doors. It is recommended to change the batteries every six months and replace detectors every five to seven years.
