Carbon Monoxide

As of April 2015 legislation requires carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas in existing homes. Watch the video below to get to know CO.

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been called the "silent killer". Many people never know that they have been poisoned because CO is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause serious illness or death.

The people most at risk are the very young or the elderly. CO poisoning symptoms, commonly confused with the flu, include:

• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Vomiting

Protect Yourself and Your Family

To protect yourself and your family you can ensure that:

• All fuel burning appliances are inspected,
  cleaned and installed by qualified repair personnel
• The furnace area has an adequate supply of fresh air
• You never leave your car running in the garage
• You have a few windows open at night just a crack to circulate the fresh air
• A carbon monoxide detector is installed in your home

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Detectors not only provide a life saving warning, they are the law in Ontario.

Detectors should be:

• Placed outside bedrooms and on every level.
• Installed and maintained by building owners.
• Tested regularly
• Connected to continuous power supply, such as back-up battery, in case of power outage.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management through the Fire Safety Council has created a diagram of potential sources of carbon monoxide sources in your household.