Province marks first-ever Carbon Monoxide Awareness week

The message from first responders as the province’s marks its first ever Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is to buy, check and maintain carbon monoxide alarms.

In 2013, Calgary Fire responded to 1800 calls for service, a number hoped to lessen as they raise awareness about the “silent killer”, a colourless, odourless gas.

“You need to maintain a working carbon monoxide alarm, but to prevent it from building up in the first place you need to maintain all your gas burning appliances and wood burning fireplaces,” said Calgary Fire Public Information Officer Carol Henke. “You should have one on every level of your home, you need to test it and know the expiry date.”

Henke said battery operated smoke alarms should be test at least once a year.

Fire officials said if there is only one alarm in the home, it should be close to the bedroom so it can be heard if it goes off in the middle of the night.

Henke said carbon monoxide alarms are slightly more expensive but worth it in the end if it means a life will be saved.

Tom Littlechild, fire safety officer for the Office of the Fire Commissioner said this topic is something they want to bring to the forefront.

“The purpose of this week is to bring more awareness to not only those in residential buildings, but commercial properties as well,” he said.
ATCO Gas has published a checklist to help homeowners know what they have to look out for.

Carbon Monoxide Week continues in Alberta until November 8th, 2014.