SaskPower reminds homeowners that exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) can be deadly.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, and odourless gas. It is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane and kerosene don’t burn completely. Dangerous levels can accumulate when there isn’t proper ventilation or an adequate air supply.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), SaskPower Gas Inspections, and SaskEnergy have a number of tips to keep you and family safe.
The first step is easy.
“Every home should have both a CO alarm and smoke alarm,” SPSA President Marlo Pritchard said in a press release. “The alarm from these devices will alert you and your loved ones, allowing you to escape the danger that’s present in your home.”
Other tips include:
- check your furnace filter and change it regularly;
- do not leave your vehicle idling in the garage, even if the door is open;
- lawn mowers and snowblowers should always be started outdoors;
- ensure flue vents and chimneys are free of debris and blockages;
- never operate a generator in a house, garage, or any other enclosed building.
Continued exposure to high levels of CO leads to unconsciousness, convulsions, brain damage and ultimately, death.
If your CO detector goes off, remain calm. If anyone in the house is experiencing flu-like symptoms, exit the premises and call 911 immediately. If symptoms are not present, shut off gas appliances and then open your doors and windows. Call a qualified gas contractor for an inspection as soon as possible.
More safety and information can be found online.
