CO Awareness Week: safety, symptoms and emergency preparedness

During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (November 1-7), the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) wants to remind residents that carbon monoxide alarms save lives.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a “silent killer” because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness or 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 particularly sensitive to CO.

Recently, The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Regulations (the UBAS Regulations) were amended to require all Saskatchewan residential buildings to have working CO alarms (or combination CO-smoke alarms) installed by July 1, 2022. CO alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and are most effective when interconnected throughout your home. Testing CO alarms should occur each month and the batteries replaced at least once a year. CO alarms should be replaced every seven years, or sooner according to manufacturer’s directions.

CO incidents account for approximately two per cent of SFD’s responses. Most cases involving CO are quickly mitigated; however, some require additional resources or action. Each SFD fire engine comes equipped with a CO monitor capable of determining the parts-per-million (PPM) concentration of CO in the air. Firefighter-paramedics can also measure and treat the carboxyhemoglobin level in the blood of a patient by using a non-invasive medical assessment tool on scene and immediately begin appropriate treatment if necessary.

In an emergency, seconds count; a functioning carbon monoxide alarm can be the difference in preventing a tragedy in your home. If your CO alarm is sounding or if you believe you are experiencing the effects of CO poisoning, evacuate all occupants and pets from the home and immediately call 911.

To learn more about CO, visit saskatoon.ca/carbonmonoxide.