Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms

What is carbon monoxide?

What should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide?

• If you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning call 9-1-1 and get everyone out of the house.
• If you have a carbon monoxide concern, call Union Gas or a certified heating contractor.
• If your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds and there are no medical symptoms, open all doors and windows and call Union Gas or a certified heating contractor.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide

If you are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poising call 9-1-1 immediately.

You may experience the following symptoms if exposed to carbon monoxide:

• Exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide may produce a slight headache or shortness of breath during moderate activity
• Exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide may cause a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, weakness, vision and hearing impairment, collapse or fainting, loss of muscle control and drowsiness
• Exposure to higher concentrations can result in unconsciousness, brain damage or death

Preventing carbon monoxide

• Install a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping areas
• Test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month

• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• Have your furnace and heating system inspected once a year by a certified heating contractor.
• Have your chimney, flues and vents professionally cleaned once a year.
• Never burn charcoal or run your gas barbecue indoors or in an enclosed area.
• Never leave a car idling in a garage.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO -- only use outside

More carbon monoxide information is available through the Government of Ontario.