November 1 to 7 marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) invites residents to mark Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, November 1 to 7, by familiarizing themselves with the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and taking steps to protect themselves from the deadly gas.
“With colder weather upon us, the risks of exposure to carbon monoxide gas from the incomplete burning of fuels increases,” says Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention and Public Education Chief Mark Reshaur. “If residents haven’t done so already, they are encouraged to install carbon monoxide alarms on every floor of their home including their basement.”
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Sources can include natural gas, wood, oil, methane, gasoline and coal. In homes, the biggest culprit is cooking or heating equipment that burn fuels such as fireplaces and gas stoves.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like and include nausea, dizziness, confusion, vision and hearing loss, but no fever. Exposure can be deadly. If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, exit immediately and call 911.
Residents can purchase carbon monoxide alarms separately, or devices that monitor for both smoke and carbon monoxide. Smoke alarms alone do not protect against carbon monoxide gas.
Change Your Clocks, Check Your Alarms
Sunday, November 7 marks the end of daylight savings and the final day of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. As residents adjust their clocks to “fall back” one hour, they are encouraged to change the batteries on their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test the devices to ensure they are in good working order.
Test units by pressing and holding the button until the alarm sounds. If the alarm doesn’t sound, replace the batteries. If the alarm still doesn’t sound, replace the unit. Alarms that have exceeded their expiry date should be replaced even if they still work.
The time change is also a good reminder for businesses and organizations to check their Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), as AED batteries and contact pads have a shelf life. AEDs require regular checks and maintenance, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from carbon monoxide gas by following these simple steps:
- If your carbon monoxide alarm activates do not attempt to find the source of the leak. Exit the building immediately and call 911.
- Have fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, wood-burning fireplaces, and gas dryers cleaned and checked annually by a qualified service technician.
- Never idle vehicles in an attached garage, even if the door is open.
- Ensure all fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents and chimneys are clear of snow, insulation, leaves, bird nests, lint, or debris.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and vented.
- Don’t operate gasoline-powered engines, charcoal or propane barbecues or grills, kerosene stoves or propane heaters indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Make sure you have one smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas and in your basement.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replace batteries twice a year when the time changes, and replace alarms in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit winnipeg.ca/carbonmonoxide.