Ridgewood High School Evacuated: What Parents Need to Know About the CO Leak
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The school day took a sudden turn for Ridgewood High School students and staff on Tuesday afternoon. Shortly after 3 p.m., the building was evacuated after high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) were detected near the boiler room.
The Ridgewood Fire Department and PSE&G were immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the leak and secure the area. In a relief to the community, local officials have confirmed that no injuries or illnesses related to the incident have been reported thus far.
The Ridgewood Police Department remains on-site, managing traffic and crowd control as the investigation continues.
The “Silent Killer”: Why Carbon Monoxide is So Dangerous
Carbon monoxide is often referred to by safety experts as the “silent killer” because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, making it nearly impossible to detect without specialized equipment.
When CO is inhaled, it displaces oxygen in your bloodstream. Your brain, heart, and other vital organs are then starved of the oxygen they need to function. In an enclosed space like a school boiler room, levels can rise quickly to life-threatening concentrations.
Common Symptoms of CO Poisoning
Because the symptoms are often vague, they can easily be mistaken for the flu or food poisoning. Watch for these warning signs:
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Mild Exposure: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
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Moderate Exposure: Confusion, chest pain, and blurred vision.
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High Exposure: Loss of consciousness, seizures, and respiratory failure.
Safety Tip: If you or your child suspect exposure, get to fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Stay Informed: Ridgewood High School Update
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Incident Time: March 10, ~3:00 p.m.
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Cause: High CO levels detected in the boiler room area.
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Status: Building evacuated; Fire Dept and PSE&G investigating.
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Injuries: 0 reported as of this update.
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Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #RHS #PublicSafety #CarbonMonoxide #EmergencyUpdate #BergenCounty #SchoolSafety
