Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the "silent killer" because you can't see it, smell it, or taste it. Every year, people are seriously injured or killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, but these tragedies are preventable.

CO is produced when fuels like natural gas, propane, oil, wood, or charcoal burn incompletely. Common sources in your home include furnaces, water heaters, fuel-burning dryers, fuel-burning stoves, fireplaces, blocked vents or chimneys, cars in attached garages, and portable fuel-fired equipment like BBQs and generators.

CO Safety Checklist

• Install Working Alarms: Install certified CO alarms (look for CSA, ULC, or ETL marks) outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• Test & Maintain: Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year or when the low-battery chirp sounds.

• Replace Units: Replace entire alarm units every 5 to 10 years (or according to manufacturer instructions).

• Annual Service: Have fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, and vents inspected and maintained regularly by a qualified technician.

• Never Use Indoors: Never use generators, BBQs, camp stoves, or propane heaters indoors or in garages.

If your home has a furnace, fireplace, water heater, gas stove, or an attached garage, a carbon monoxide alarm is essential.

Know the Signs of CO Poisoning

Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion.

If your CO alarm sounds, or if you suspect carbon monoxide, move everyone outdoors immediately into fresh air and call 9-1-1.

Protect your family. Install, test, and maintain your carbon monoxide alarms.

Resources

Download the official Office of the Fire Marshal brochures below for more information:

• Download Office of the Fire Marshal CO Safety Brochure (English)

• Download Office of the Fire Marshal CO Safety Brochure (French)