The Okotoks Fire Department wants to remind you that your home produces carbon monoxide (CO)—a silent killer that claims the lives of several Albertans every year. You can’t see it, you can’t smell it, taste it or hear it coming. But there are things you can do to assess and minimize your risks.
For peace of mind book a FREE home safety inspection through the Okotoks Fire Department at 403-938-4066.
CO IS READY TO KILL
When appliances and equipment aren’t burning fuel completely, an abundance of CO is produced. In a confined room or space (MUCH MORE LIKELY IN WINTER) the effects can quickly become toxic for families and pets.
WHAT DOES A CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING LOOK LIKE?
It looks like death. And it can end in death—or critical organ damage. These are the signs of being exposed to CO:
- Headache & dizziness
- Fatigue & weak
- Watering & burning eyes
- Nausea & vomiting
- Loss of muscle control
IMPORTANT: Infants, children and pets absorb CO faster. For them, the signs of a poisoning will become apparent more quickly.
If symptoms appear, get everyone outside including your pets. Once out safely, call 911. Exposure to fresh air should calm the symptoms. Even if symptoms subside, call 911 to determine the CO source.
YOU NEED A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
Although a fever is not included, the above symptoms seem a lot like the flu—and can be interpreted that way. The most effective and immediate method to determine if there’s a CO build up in your home is with a CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. Here’s what to do if yours goes off:
- If your alarm goes off and you or anyone else in your home are suffering from symptoms, get out immediately. Then call 911.
- If your alarm goes off and no one is suffering symptoms, inspect the device for battery life before calling 911.
THE CARBON MONOXIDE CULPRITS
Appliances that can be a carbon monoxide risk in your home
Carbon monoxide is released when fuel-burning appliances aren’t getting enough air to burn completely. Here’s a list of the common CO producing culprits that could be in your home.
THE FURNACE & HOT WATER HEATER
How to Prevent CO Build Up:
- Get annual inspections by a qualified technician.
- Ensure proper venting.
- Ensure adequate air supply.
- If the blue pilot light is burning orange, it’s a possible sign the fuel isn’t burning completely. Call a technician immediately.
- Depending on your furnace, the filter should be changed at least once every 3 months.
THE GAS STOVE/RANGE
How to Prevent CO Build Up:
- Never use to heat your home.
- Ensure vents are clear of debris.
- Have it inspected annually by a trained professional.
THE FIREPLACE
How to Prevent CO Build Up:
- Open the flue for ventilation before using.
- Check to make sure the chimney is free of debris.
- Get it inspected annually, and if it’s a gas fireplace, make sure the pilot light is burning cleanly (blue not orange).
THE DRYER
How to Prevent CO Build Up:
- With your dryer, ventilation is critical. Ensure exhaust is reaching the outdoors. And during the winter months, inspect the outside exhaust vent for potential snow blockage.
- Do not block or seal exhaust flues or ducts.
IN THE GARAGE
How to Prevent CO Build Up:
- Never leave a vehicle running in the garage—EVEN WITH THE DOOR OPEN.
- Don’t BBQ in there. Huge fire and CO risk.
GENERATORS & SPACE HEATERS
How to Prevent CO Build Up:
- Ensure proper air intake and exhaust with portable generators and fuel-burning space heaters.
- Set, at a minimum, an annual maintenance schedule.
PREVENT A CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
- Get yearly inspections on all fuel-burning appliances in your home by a trained, certified technician. Make this a priority.
- Install and regularly test your CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarms on all levels of your home. These will give you and your family time to escape when CO levels are rising.
Source: https://www.carbonmonoxidealberta.ca/
