British Columbia’s annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1 to 7, and Golden Fire Rescue is reminding you to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build up in your home by properly maintaining all fuel-burning appliances and installing CO alarms in your home.
“You should install a working CO alarm on every storey of your home and next to each sleeping area,” says Acting Fire Chief Jordan Wilkie. “Make sure to test and clean your carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace them according to manufacturer’s instructions.”
Golden Fire Rescue reminds residents to install CO alarms if there is a wood or gas-fired fireplace, in the home, an attached garage or any other fuel-burning appliance, such as furnaces, hot water heaters or dryers. It’s important to never use barbeques or portable fuel-burning heaters inside the home or garage, even if the garage doors are open. Only use them outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings.
Important safety tips to consider:
- Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are properly maintained, as well as cleaned and inspected annually. Visit www.technicalsafetybc.ca to find a licensed contractor near you.
- Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked.
- Ensure all portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
- Open a chimney flue before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
- Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death. If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants are suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately and call 9-1-1 from outside your home (a neighbour’s house or a cell phone).
For more information about CO and safety tips, visit www.COsafety.tips