Beat the Silent Killer: Prevent CO in your Home. Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, November 1 to 7
HAMILTON, ON – October 30, 2018 - Ontario’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1-7 and the Hamilton Fire Department reminds you to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) in your home by getting all fuel burning appliances inspected annually by a register contractor.
The Hamilton Fire Department also reminds you to install CO alarms in your home if you have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage. Fuel-burning appliances can include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbeques, stoves and vehicles.
“You must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area of the home if your home has a fuel-burning appliance,” said Fire Chief David Cunliffe. “For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to the manufacturer’s instructions.”
Know the symptoms of CO
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death.
- If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 from outside the building.
- If your CO alarm sounds and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its "end-of-life" before calling 9-1-1.
Know the sound of your CO alarm
- Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
- Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end-of-life” warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.
Contact the Hamilton Fire Department – Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm for more information on carbon monoxide alarms in your home or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.