Keep Safe from the “The Silent Killer”

With the cooler weather fast approaching, Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind everyone to have furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances serviced by authorized service personnel, to reduce the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness. In severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be sensitive to CO.

Where should a carbon monoxide detector be located in the home?
Proper placement of a CO detector is important. In general, the human body is most vulnerable to the effects of CO during sleeping hours, so a detector should be located in or near as possible to the sleeping areas of the home. Where sleeping areas are located in separate parts of the home, a detector should be provided for each area.