Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odourless, tasteless, and toxic gas, and is often referred to as the 'silent killer'. It is commonly referred to as CO.
The Ontario Fire Code requires every home that has a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning install a CO alarm outside of sleeping areas. Dwellings may require more than one CO alarm if there are family members/residents sleeping on different levels of the home. Remember, it's the law!
Who needs a Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
If the residence has a furnace, fossil fuel-burning appliance, or an attached garage, there must be a CO alarm installed outside of ALL sleeping areas. When properly installed, maintained and vented, any CO produced by these devices will not stay inside the home.
Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services would like to remind everyone to have furnaces and all other fossil fuel-burning appliances in their homes inspected by authorized service personnel, to prevent the serious hazards of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
Signs and Symptoms
Exposure to CO can cause
flu-like symptoms such as: headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, confusion, drowsiness, even loss of consciousness, and in severe cases CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home
If you or anyone else in your home is experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, ensure that everyone leaves the home immediately and close the door behind you. Call your local fire department or 911 from outside the home or from a neighbour's telephone.
Proper Placement
Proper placement of a CO alarm is important. They should be located in or as near as possible to the sleeping area of the home. Where sleeping areas are located in separate parts of the home, an alarm should be provided for each area.
CO alarms can be installed on low or high on the wall, or even on the ceiling. Please read manufacturer's instructions for placement and further information.
To ensure the alarm will work properly, it should not be blocked by furniture, draperies, or other obstructions to normal air flow. If a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm is used, it should be located on the ceiling, to ensure that it will detect smoke effectively.
Beat the Silent Killer
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Be Responsible - All residents have a responsibility to know about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Knowledge and proactive actions can help save lives.
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CO alarms are a great safety tool. Always ensure that furnaces and fossil fuel-burning appliances are inspected and proper maintenance is performed regularly.
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Take the Test! Test CO alarms when you test your smoke alarms. CO alarms have a different sound than smoke alarms; know the difference!
All CO alarms should be tested at least once a month. Remember to change the batteries when you change your clocks!