Carbon Monoxide Dangers

The Airdrie Fire department has received an influx of calls regarding carbon monoxide in the last week. Certainly the very cold temperatures and abundance of snow has contributed to increased risk factors, but residents should be careful at all times during the year.

Currently, there are two most common factors contributing to the increase in calls. The first is people leaving cars running in their garages. Even with the garage door open, there can be a hazardous build up of fumes. Always move your car out of your garage to warm it up.

Secondly, newer homes with high efficiency furnaces which have intakes and exhausts down low on the exterior of the house, are, in some cases, being blocked by snow drifts and causing a back up of carbon monoxide in the home. If you have a new home with a high efficiency furnace, ensure that the exhaust and intake are not blocked.
Best way to stay safe is to have a carbon monoxide detector installed according to the manufactures instructions and ensure the batteries are checked and changed regularly. As well, you should have all of your fuel-burning appliances checked annually.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas. Carbon monoxide is very toxic
and it can be lethal. 
  
Follow these tips to help prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating.
1. Keep chimneys, vents, exhaust ducts, flues and secondary air openings free from dirt, snow and other blockages.
2. Limit your use of exhaust fans. They can remove too much air if they’re used too long and fuel-burning appliances need a good supply of air.
3. Unless proper combustion air ducts have been installed, open a convenient or nearby fresh air supply, like a window, when you use a wood or coal fireplace or stove.
4. Keep your furnace and water heater in a clear and open area and install proper combustion air ducts.
5. Keep the door to the fan compartment on your furnace closed and secure at all times.
6. Don’t run vehicles inside an attached garage, even with the door open.

Know the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• a headachy feeling
• tightness across your forehead and in your temples
• watering and burning of the eyes
• weariness, weakness, dizziness and vomiting
• loss of muscle control

Make the Right Call!
If you experience any of these symptoms, go outside into the fresh air. Call 911, or your nearest ATCO Gas office from a neighbour’s house.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem but no one is ill, evaluate the situation. Go outside into the fresh air. Then return to your home, open the doors and windows to allow fresh air in and call ATCO Gas or another qualified technician to inspect your appliances and check your home for other possible sources of carbon monoxide.