CENTRE WELLINGTON – Since Jan. 1 Centre Wellington Fire Rescue has responded to several carbon monoxide (CO) calls, most of which were false readings.
Preventing CO build up in your home can be achieved by properly maintaining all fuel-burning appliances and installing CO alarms.
“Out of 130 calls so far, 55 calls have been in response to carbon monoxide calls, and many of them are false in nature,” said deputy fire chief Jason Benn.
“Some of these calls for service are preventable by knowing how your alarm sounds and reacts to certain situations. By reading the instruction booklet that comes with the alarm you have a better understanding what the alarm is telling you when it sounds.”
The fire department wants to remind residents to install CO alarms in their homes with wood or gas-fired burning fireplaces, an attached garage, or any other fuel-burning appliance, such as furnaces, hot water heaters or dryers.
It’s important to never use barbecues 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.
“You should install a working CO alarm on every storey of your home and next to each sleeping area,” said Benn. “Make sure to test and clean your carbon monoxide alarms regularly and replace them according to manufacturer’s instructions.
“We hope by sharing these tips, the number of CO calls we respond to will decrease by following some of these easy steps.”
What is carbon monoxide?
CO is known as the “silent killer” because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly. CO is not natural gas – natural gas has a harmless chemical called mercaptan added to it to make it smell like rotten eggs.
CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices.
CO inhibits the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen and can cause health problems before you even notice it is present.
At low levels, effects include flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath and impaired motor functions.
At high levels, or if you are exposed to low levels for long periods of time, you can experience dizziness, chest pain, poor vision and difficulty thinking.
At very high levels, it can cause convulsions, coma and death.
How to prevent CO in your home
Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are properly maintained, as well as cleaned and inspected annually.
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.
Know the symptoms of CO
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.
Then call 911 or your local emergency number from outside.
If your CO alarm sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its “end-of-life” before calling 911.
Know the sound of your CO alarm
Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end-of-life” warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.
