During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Lambton Shores Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and encouraging them to take action to protect their homes from the silent killer.
CO is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless, and odourless gas that can be deadly. CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil, or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances.
One of the most important steps to protect your home is installing certified CO alarms and scheduling annual inspections on fuel-burning appliances by a registered contractor.
Most homes will have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, which can all become a source of carbon monoxide in your home. If you have a fuel-burning appliance in your home, you must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to manufacturer’s instructions.
The most common household fuel-burning appliances that produce carbon monoxide include:
- Fireplace
- Dryer
- Furnace
- Stove
- Water Heater
- Portable Fuel Heater
- Portable Fuel Fired Generator
To find a registered contractor near you, visit COSafety.ca
In addition to installing CO alarms in your home, Lambton Shores Fire and Emergency Services reminds everyone that these alarms should be tested regularly. When the clocks fall back an hour in November, it's a great reminder to check all alarms in your home.
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. In extreme cases, exposure can cause a loss of consciousness and death. If your CO alarm sounds, get outside to fresh air as soon as possible and call 9-1-1. If you or someone from your household is experiencing CO exposure symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
More information and resources can be found using the buttons below, or by visiting the Office of the Fire Marshal website.
What is Carbon Monoxide? |
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, and poisonous gas. |
Sources of Carbon Monoxide |
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On average, Ontario households have between 4 and 6 fuel-burning appliances that produce carbon monoxide, such as: furnace, BBQ, stove, water heater, dryer, fireplace, portable fuel-fired generators, or vehicles running in an attached garage. |
Testing Carbon Monoxide Alarms |
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CO alarms should be tested monthly or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. |
Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning |
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Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning can include:
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