Often called the "silent killer", carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless and non-irritating but extremely poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide is produced when common fuels, such as natural gas, propane, kerosene, fuel oil, wood, coal and charcoal, do not burn completely.
How to help keep your home and family safe from CO:
- Ensure gas equipment, chimneys and gas appliances (including gas ranges) are properly installed, maintained and inspected annually by a licenced gas contractor
- Never idle your vehicle in the garage, even if the door is open. Start lawn mowers and snow blowers outside
- Always use barbecues outside, away from doors, windows and combustible materials
- Open a window to replace air before you light a wood burning fireplace or woodstove. Keep it open until the fire is completely extinguished
- Keep flue vents and chimneys clear of debris and other blockages, including frost and snow
- Ensure the furnace and water heater vent pipes to the chimney are in good condition and are securely fastened
- Keep furnace panels and grills in place and make sure the fan compartment door is secure
- Don't operate an unvented appliance (e.g. barbecue or portable propane heater) in an enclosed space, such as a garage, ice shack, tent, shop, shed, automobile, RV or trailer
- Install an adequately sized combustion air supply duct in your furnace room or near your gas appliances. This is especially important for homes being upgraded for increased energy efficiency
What you need to know about CO detectors
Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home helps you feel secure, as it can alert you to danger before physical symptoms become noticeable. Carbon monoxide detectors do not replace your responsibility in maintaining a safe home. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement, maintenance and replacement of your detector.
What to do if your CO detector alarm goes off
- If someone in your house is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, everyone should leave the house immediately. Call 911 (or your local fire department if you live in an area without 911 coverage) as soon as you are in a safe location outside of your home. Seek medical treatment for those experiencing symptoms
- If no one is experiencing symptoms, remain calm. Take immediate steps to determine the reason for the alarm. Your detector may have reacted to
- a low/dead battery
- exhaust fumes from a nearby vehicle
- prolonged humidity, if installed near a bathroom or an open window when it's humid outside
- chemicals, cleaning products or cigarette smoke
- accumulated low levels of carbon monoxide
- lint and hair build-up on sensors
- detector may be at the end of its lifespan (3 – 5 years) and sounded alarm
If you can't determine why the detector alarmed, open your doors and windows for fresh air and call a licenced gas contractor to inspect your appliances and check for other possible sources of carbon monoxide.
