It’s colourless, odourless, and tasteless. Exposure can cause symptoms similar to the flu and food poisoning. It’s sometimes called the “silent killer.” It’s carbon monoxide and it can be deadly.
When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure, the first line of defence is always the proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. When fuel-burning devices are properly installed and maintained, they will operate as designed and vent all exhaust products outdoors.
The second line of defence is the installation of carbon monoxide alarms. The importance of having carbon monoxide alarms is heightened during the winter months when we keep doors and windows closed and increase our use of fuel-burning equipment, such as furnaces.
Here are some tips to guide you in the installation and maintenance of your carbon monoxide alarm:
• Alarms should be certified by the Canadian Standards Association, CAN/CGA 6.19, or the Underwriters Laboratories 2034 standard.
• We’re most susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide while we’re asleep – install your alarm near your home’s primary sleeping area.
• Install additional alarms in other sleeping areas, near rooms where your combustion appliances are located (like adjacent to your furnace room), or rooms near a potential source of carbon monoxide (like an attached garage or fireplace).
• Don’t let furniture, draperies or obstructions to normal air flow block your carbon monoxide alarms.
• If your CO alarm sounds, open windows and doors and evaluate your situation. If anyone is experiencing the flu-like symptoms of CO exposure, seek medical help or call 911.
