SNOW tires, weather stripping, parkas: all part of preparing for winter. To that list add prevention of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
CO is a byproduct of burning gas, oil and other fuels. Everything from a blocked chimney to an improperly installed gas hot water heater can cause it to accumulate indoors, impeding the blood's ability to carry oxygen through the body and resulting in headaches, drowsiness, even death.
A lot of people mistake it for flu symptoms, so CO detectors in a home are essential, says Marc Messier, spokesperson for Ottawa Fire Services.
Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, which means it can accumulate without knowing. Infants and seniors may be particularly vulnerable to CO poisoning.
Preventing CO poisoning
1. Have your furnace, fireplace, wood-burning stove, and natural gas or oil-fired water heater inspected annually. Ditto for chimneys. Check that outside vents for gas- and oil-fired appliances are clean.
2. Never run a car, snowblower, lawn mower or barbecue in a closed garage: CO can spread into your home.
3. Install a CSA or UL-approved CO detector. They are available at Home Depot, Canadian Tire and other stores starting around $30. A dual battery/electric version is best, or at least one of each type so you're protected in case of battery failure or power outage. Follow alarm placement, battery replacement and other instructions. Test detectors once a month.
Caution: A smoke alarm is not a carbon monoxide detector, nor vice-versa. You need both.
If your detector sounds, call 911.
If anyone is suffering from nausea, dizziness or other CO-poisoning symptoms, leave the home immediately.
-- Postmedia News
