Carbon monoxide awareness week kicks off in Calgary

Fire and safety officials are making a lot of noise about a silent killer.

The official launch of carbon monoxide awareness week was Tuesday at a northeast Calgary fire hall to help them spread the word.

It’s the right time to send the CO message.

As things cool down, we tend to heat up, running furnaces, fireplaces and cars; all sources that can emit carbon monoxide.

Carol Henke with the Calgary Fire Department believes Calgarians should get a detector, and mentioned what to do if it went off.

“We want you to leave the house, because again, carbon monoxide (is) colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-irritating,” Henke said. “You just don’t know it’s there, and the only way you’re going to know it’s there is when your carbon monoxide alarm activates.”

Along with having an alarm, you’re also being reminded to test it once a month, vacuum the sensors regularly and replace the unit every seven to ten years.

“Lots of times, it’ll get to higher levels and then we know immediately when we come and take readings with the fire department that we need to evacuate immediately. So, early detection is never a bad thing when it comes to carbon monoxide,” said Dan Nicolajsen with ATCO.

ATCO also has a carbon monoxide checklist to help residents understand the dangers.

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