Changing your old and outdated carbon monoxide alarm should be at the top of your priority list today.
The reason that we bring up carbon monoxide alarms as being a topic of urgency at this time is because it has come to our attention that recently there was a man in Barrie who came home after working the night shift to find his two children and wife suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. His 10 months old son passed away in the hospital, and his daughter and wife are being hospitalised. A similar situation can affect the lives of any one of us if we do not take the necessary precautions. That is why it is crucially important for us to know about carbon monoxide safety, as well as having a look at our own carbon monoxide alarm to make sure it is still doing its job and keeping us safe.
The Dangers and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and extremely poisonous gas. This very dangerous gas is produced as a by-product of combustion when a fuel burning appliance that uses natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, or propane, doesn’t have enough air to fire up properly. When this occurs, the gas can build up in a room and will cause injury or even death to humans or animals occupying the space.
The symptoms that you may feel when exposed to carbon monoxide are nausea, headaches, dizziness, confusion, sudden loss of consciousness, etc. In serious cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to brain damage or death. When knowing the symptoms of the silent killer that is carbon monoxide it may become clear as to why you should take the correct measures in checking your home’s carbon monoxide alarm.
Precautions to Take to Avoid Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
- All homes must have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed by law. Homeowners who do not abide by this may be fined. Although the law states that you must have at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your home, we recommend having one installed on each floor of your home.
- Check the expiration date of your carbon monoxide alarm. Any alarms which were made prior to 2008 should be replaced as soon as possible. CO alarms need to be replaced every seven to ten years (varies by brand).
- Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide alarm annually. This does not apply to CO alarms which sealed lithium batteries that don’t ever need to be replaced.
- Fuel burning appliances should be maintained and inspected on a regular basis. It is important that you have a licensed technician check on your furnace, water heater, fireplace and any other fuel burning appliance in your home annually to conclude whether or not they are in safe working condition and have proper ventilation.
If you or a family member living in your home are experiencing the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, everyone should evacuate the building immediately and the fire department or 911 should be called right away. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very serious matter and should be treated accordingly when it comes to taking safety measures against it.
DeMark Home Ontario is here to help you with any and all of your HVAC needs. If you’re in need of a furnace / air conditioner / water heater inspection or replacement, we’ll be glad to help. DeMark Home Ontario is more than prepared to make your home as safe, energy efficient, and comfortable as it can be. We provide efficient and quick HVAC replacement performed by our highly trained and experienced technicians. Give us a call at 647-847-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.
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