Airdrie’s Fire Department has recently seen an increase in carbon monoxide related calls.
According to Russ McKeage, community safety officer with the fire department, the two most common factors contributing to the increase in calls are people leaving cars running in their garages and furnace intakes and exhausts blocked by snow.
“Even with the garage door open, there can be a hazardous build up of fumes,” said McKeage.
“Aways move your car out of your garage to warm it up.”
Newer homes with high efficiency furnaces, which have intakes and exhausts down low on the exterior of the house, are being blocked by snow drifts and causing a back up of carbon monoxide in the home.
“If you have a new home with a high-efficiency furnace, ensure that the exhaust and intake are not blocked,” said McKeage.
“We were recently called to a condo for a carbon monoxide problem and almost all of the exhaust vents on the outside were covered with snow drifts.”
He suggests installing a carbon monoxide detector according to the manufactures instructions and ensuring the batteries are checked and changed regularly.
“As well, you should have all of your fuel-burning appliances checked annually by a technician,” said McKeage.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas. It is very toxic and it can be lethal.
“This is very serious,” said McKeage.
“If you think there is carbon monoxide in your house, don’t hesitate, go outside and call to have the fire department come out and check it out. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms, by all means, call us.”
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
• a headache
• tightness across your forehead and in temples
• watering and burning eyes
• weariness, weakness, dizziness and vomiting
• loss of muscle control
If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem but no one is ill, evaluate the situation. Go outside into the fresh air.
Then return to your home, open the doors and windows to allow fresh air in and call ATCO Gas or another qualified technician to inspect your appliances and check your home for other possible sources of carbon monoxide.
