Spike in carbon monoxide deaths this weekend

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Carbon monoxide was a factor in several deaths in Massachusetts this weekend.

Carbon monoxide dangers exist in your car and in your home, and the snow only increases your chances of exposure.

Friday's snow storm caused problems for just about everyone in the northeast.

In some cases, the consequences were deadly.

"The night of the storm we had several calls for carbon monoxide," said Springfield Fire Department's Dennis Leger.

Leger said carbon monoxide killed two men in this Corcoran Blvd. home after they ran a gas-powered generator inside their house without properly venting the exhaust.

When police and fire got there they found dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can hurt you fast!

"Your body absorbs carbon monoxide 200 times greater than oxygen so your blood actually likes it, it adheres to the red blood cells so 200 times greater than oxygen, it really affects you quickly," Leger said.

In Boston, at least two deaths are being blamed on running cars that had their tailpipes buried in the snow.

When the gases can't get out, they creep back into the car.

A situation Springfield's Paul Edwards says he's experienced before.

"I've back into a snow bank and it didn't sound right and i check it and there was ice in it, yes. You can actually hear your exhaust if it's being packed. You should notice a difference," Edwards said.

Experts say when you dig out your car and home, clear the vents and tail pipe first.

Also, always check to ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

It's important to remember things like grills and generators should only be used outdoors with plenty of ventilation so the toxic fumes don't get inside your home.