Ontario’s annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1 to 6, aiming to educate residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), a tasteless, odourless, and colourless gas often referred to as the “silent killer.” Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is urging residents to ensure they have functioning carbon monoxide alarms in their homes, particularly outside each sleeping area.
Carbon monoxide is produced by fuels such as natural gas, propane, wood, oil, and kerosene when there isn’t enough air for complete combustion. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases during the winter months when heating appliances are in use. In Ontario, it is mandatory to have a functioning carbon monoxide alarm installed outside sleeping areas to ensure they can be heard if activated.
To protect your household from carbon monoxide poisoning, CYFS recommends the following safety tips:
- Install carbon monoxide alarms close to sleeping areas. Multiple alarms are necessary if bedrooms are on different floors.
- Check the air supply to your fuel-burning appliances to ensure it is sufficient.
- Maintain and vent every fuel-burning system, appliance, and chimney annually by a licensed service technician or heating contractor. Ensure that animals, bird nests, snow, ice, and other debris do not block your chimney.
- Clear ice or snow from blocking the vent of your appliance.
- Never operate vehicles or motors indoors, even with the garage door open.
- Avoid using portable fuel-burning camping gear inside buildings, garages, cars, or tents unless specifically designed for indoor use.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to ensure they are in good working order. Make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, and can also lead to confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and even death. If anyone in the home shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, or if your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, evacuate the house immediately and move to fresh air. From outside, call 9-1-1.
CYFS continues to support the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation, which educates the public about carbon monoxide. Recently, the CYFS Open House raised $1,870.38 for the foundation, demonstrating the community’s commitment to safety.
For more information, visit cyfs.ca.
