Cathie Bassett, Public Education Officer with the Moose Jaw Fire Department, advises Moose Jaw residents to check vents and outlets, test CO alarms, and call 911 if they suspect a carbon monoxide leak.
Where does CO come from and what are the symptoms?
Carbon monoxide (one carbon atom, one oxygen atom = CO) is often called the ‘silent killer’. It cannot be smelled, seen, or tasted. It is non-irritating. In other words, it is impossible to detect by human senses alone.
CO is produced by anything that burns carbon fuels. Natural gas, propane, kerosene, etc. will all produce carbon monoxide.
“If you have a fuel burning appliance – like a furnace, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel burning heaters and generators, barbecue stoves, and vehicles – any of those things attached or inside your home, this could cause a problem,” Cathie Bassett, Public Education Officer with the Moose Jaw Fire Department, told MooseJawToday.com.
“We live in a cold country, and Saskatchewan is experiencing a very cold snap right now,” Bassett said. Having such cold weather means we’re burning more fuel to keep ourselves warm – increasing the chances of CO poisoning.
CO poisoning has flu-like symptoms, Bassett continued. “You’ll notice it in your pets first. Smaller animals and children… symptoms such as headaches, nausea and dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, those are signs of CO poisoning.”
Bassett advises that if you suspect CO is present in your home, you should leave as soon as possible. “Get out of your home and call 911. Just get out and stay out until we’ve had a chance to come and check.”
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Preventing CO build-up in the home is a normal consideration of having carbon-burning appliances. Make sure car exhausts, furnace vents, and chimneys are doing what they are supposed to do.
Temperatures are dropping and snow is drifting high. The CO being expelled by exhaust and vent systems is often combined with water vapour, making it vulnerable to freezing. Make sure your vents are uncovered and that they are not frozen over.
CO alarms are the only way to detect if CO is present in the air in your home. Bassett said homeowners should be checking their alarms at least once a month to be sure they’re working.
“Early detection is the key… the best way to protect your family is just make sure you do your maintenance,” Bassett said. Ensure all fuel burning appliances and vents are inspected annually. It’s never too late to have your appliances professionally inspected, Bassett added.
The best place for CO alarms is outside of sleeping areas. If CO leaks into sleeping areas at night, symptoms may not be noticed until it’s too late.
All homes will be required to have CO alarms by July 1, 2022
New regulations passed by the provincial government in September will require all residential buildings to have CO alarms installed.
Homeowners have until July 1, 2022 to purchase and install their alarms.
