Deadly Carbon Monoxide Dangers At Vacation Rentals
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A family of 13 avoided tragedy this Thanksgiving holiday after they were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide in their Tahoe rental property.
North Tahoe Fire says the rental did not have any carbon monoxide alarms and had levels six times the recommended limit.
Carbon monoxide deaths at vacation rentals have become increasingly become a problem. At least 12 people have died over the last year alone at short-term rentals due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
New Orleans couple, Edward Winders and Barbara Moller, died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas heater at an Airbnb in Mexico late last year. Their deaths came just after Kevin and Amy Sharp who died in the same way along with their two young children. Their vacation rental was not an Airbnb.
READ MORE: Near Tragedy In Tahoe: Anna Faris And 13 Family Members Exposed To Carbon Monoxide
Earlier this year, six Brazilian tourists reportedly died of carbon monoxide poisoning at an Airbnb in Chile.
Carbon monoxide detectors are now listed on Airbnb's list of amenities, so you should be able to tell if your rental has one. The website also suggests bringing your own carbon monoxide detector along with you when you travel.
Airbnb hosts are not required to have carbon monoxide detectors by the company, though they must follow local laws. The company did say they will send their hosts detectors for free.