City of Waterloo : Carbon monoxide poisoning - a danger year round!

(Waterloo, Ont. - Jan. 24, 2018) With the cold winter weather upon us, Waterloo Fire Rescue urges the public to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the need for CO alarms.

As temperatures drop, people tend to gravitate indoors. They run their furnaces more, enjoy more chimney fires and warm up their vehicles inside the garage, all to avoid the frigid cold outside. These activities, while understandable, can be hazardous.

'CO, often called the silent killer, is an invisible, odourless, colourless gas created when fuels such as kerosene, gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane burn incompletely,' says public education officer John Percy. 'It's the law in Ontario to install CO alarms adjacent to sleeping areas so occupants will be alerted to the presence of this deadly gas.'

CO facts and tips:

• Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and drowsiness, as well as confusion, loss of consciousness or death.
• Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to be warned early of CO poisoning.
• Additional alarms should be located in or adjacent to rooms with fuel-burning appliances. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace the alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Never run your car or other fueled engines or motors indoors, even if the garage doors are open.
• Ensure that all furnaces, fireplaces and chimneys are cleaned annually.
• Never barbecue inside your garage.
• During or after a snowstorm, make sure outside vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the home immediately. Call 911 from outside the home. Please do not re-enter your home until Waterloo Fire Rescue arrives to assist you.
• As you exit your home keep all windows and doors closed. This will help firefighters determine the location of the CO leak.
• Always read the operating instructions so you know the difference between a faulty unit, a low battery or when it goes into alarm mode.

For more information about fire and life safety, please visit us online at www.waterloo.ca/fire or follow us on Twitter @Waterloo_Fire.

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For more information,

John Percy
Public Education Officer
Waterloo Fire Rescue
P: 519-884-6030, ext. 23309
TTY: 1-866-786-3941
[e-mail]
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