Ontario’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week begins tomorrow, Nov. 1, through Nov. 7. During this week, and all year-round, Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services educates residents on how to avoid the hazards of carbon monoxide gas.
Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services reminds all residents to ensure they have working carbon monoxide alarms in homes that have a fireplace, an attached garage, or fuel-burning appliances such as gas or propane furnaces, stoves and hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters, and generators.
“Residents can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure in their home by getting all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a registered contractor,” says Fire Chief, John Whelan.
Be prepared – know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or residents are suffering from symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Call 9-1-1 from outside the building.
Carbon monoxide alarms sound different from smoke alarms, and alert residents to the presence of deadly, invisible, tasteless and odourless carbon monoxide gas in the home.
“Residents are reminded to make sure they have a working carbon monoxide alarm next to each sleeping area in their home. Having working carbon monoxide alarms in the home is recommended for everyone, and is especially important in homes that use fuel-burning appliances,” says Deputy Chief, Rick Caddick.
Stay safe – know the sounds and check the batteries on all alarms in the home:
- Make sure everyone in the home knows the sounds of all installed carbon monoxide and fire alarms.
- Follow the instructions on the carbon monoxide alarm or its packaging to test all alarms monthly.
- Monthly testing of carbon monoxide alarms and fire alarms helps to check their batteries and working condition.
- When pressed, if the alarm does not sound, check and replace the batteries or the alarm unit as needed.
Visit oafc.on.ca/carbon-monoxide for more information about staying carbon monoxide safe.