Home-heating and carbon monoxide

Snow and ice create dangerous conditions for those who venture outside during the winter, but we often forget about dangers indoors, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Often known as “the silent killer,” CO is a colourless and odourless gas that is impossible to detect without an alarm. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in the country and is responsible for more than 300 deaths annually.

Here are tips to keep your loved ones safe through winter:

Eliminate CO at the source. Have a professional check fuel-burning appliances — like your furnace, stove, water heater and clothes dryer — for leaks and annual maintenance.

Never use generators indoors. In the case of a power outage or furnace failure, both gas-powered and portable electric generators must only be used outside. Never use them inside the home, in a garage or any confined area where CO can collect.

Install alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas, yet a recent survey revealed over half of Canadians report not having CO alarms in their homes. Consider one that doesn’t need battery replacements for the life of the alarm and which uses an electrochemical sensor, the most accurate technology available.

Be mindful of the garage. Never leave a car running in an attached garage. Even if the garage door is open, emissions can leak into the home.

Clear all vents and watch stove usage. Especially after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow. Never use a stove to heat your home and, when stovetop cooking for long periods of time, use kitchen fans to ventilate the room.

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. These include headache, nausea and feeling tired or short of breath. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or symptoms appear, it is important to get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.