Guelph, Ont., November 1, 2024 — Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week runs November 1-7 and Guelph Fire Department is reminding everyone to recognize the health risks and danger CO poses with advice on how to protect your family and stay safe.
“Having a working CO alarm in your home is the best way to know you and your family are protected from exposure and injury from a CO leak,” says Fire Chief Brian Arnold. “CO is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas making it impossible to detect without a working CO alarm.”
Since January 1, 2022, Guelph Fire Department has received 53 calls where CO was detected in a dwelling. Statistically, that is 1.5 detections of CO in a dwelling per month, throughout the last three years. By law, in Ontario, CO alarms are required to be installed outside all sleeping areas of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
Guelph Fire Department reminds everyone that CO exposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness, and death. Safety starts with awareness – practice the following and protect yourself and loved ones from carbon monoxide:
- Test CO alarms each month and change the batteries at least once a year using Day Light Savings Time changes as a reminder.
- Have fuel-burning appliances – furnace, gas stove, fireplace – annually inspected by a trained, certified technician to check for a leak at the source.
- Ensure all chimneys and vents are clean and clear of obstructions.
- If a CO alarm activates or you suspect someone in your home has symptoms of CO poisoning, immediately go outside and call 9-1-1.
- Never use a barbecue, portable fuel-burning camping equipment, or gas-powered generators indoors.
Media contact
Kyle Hayward, Communications Officer
Strategic Communications & Community Engagement
City of Guelph
(226) 332-5569
[email protected]