Canadian Home Trends & First Alert
As temperatures dip and we crank up the heat , the risk for carbon monoxide ( CO ) poisoning significantly increases . The arrival of cold weather is a timely reminder for all of us to take the proper precautions to help protect ourselves and loved ones from harm . Here ’ s what you need to know about CO :
HIDDEN THREAT Dubbed the “ silent killer ,” CO has no smell , taste or color , and it strikes most during the winter when more fuel-burning appliances are used to heat homes . CO sources may include , but are not limited to , heaters , fireplaces , furnaces , appliances or cooking sources using coal , wood , petroleum products or other fuels emitting CO as a by-product of combustion . Attached garages with doors , ductwork or ventilation shafts connected to a living space can also be sources of CO .
THE RISK CO is responsible for more than 300 deaths each year and is the number one cause of accidental poisonings , according to Statistics Canada . Compounding the issue and concern is that CO poisoning is notoriously difficult to diagnose – often until it ’ s too late . The symptoms mimic those of many other illnesses and may include nausea , headaches , dizziness , weakness , chest pain and vomiting . In more severe poisoning cases , people may experience disorientation or unconsciousness , or suffer longterm neurological disabilities , cardiorespiratory failure or death .
TAKE ACTION Equipping your home with working CO alarms is the only way to detect this poisonous gas . First Alert offers a number of options to protect your family from CO from tabletop and plug-in CO alarms to combination smoke and CO alarms . To upgrade with the latest advancement in alarm technology , consider alarms with 10-year sealed batteries that eliminate latenight battery chirps and the need to replace the batteries for the life of the alarm . Install CO and smoke alarms on each level of your home , including the basement , as well as in and near every sleeping area . If CO symptoms appear , or if an alarm sounds , get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and then call 911 .
EXTRA PRECAUTIONS As you turn up the heat this winter , keep these additional tips in mind to make sure you and your loved ones are safe . Schedule a professional to check all your fuel-burning appliances for potential leaks . In the case of a power outage or furnace failure , never use generators indoors , in a garage or any confined area where CO can collect . Keep generators outside at least 15 feet away from your home . Last but not least , never leave a running car inside a garage . Even if the door is open , CO emitted from the car will not only fill the garage , but could seep into the home . - First Alert , www . firstalert . ca