Municipal Affairs and Environment
December 19, 2017

Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety – Day 9

During the holiday season, it is recommended that residents protect their homes from the effects of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide has no smell, taste, or colour and can form inside your home when burning fuel such as propane, oil, gasoline, and wood. The risk is especially high during the winter months as many homes are heated by one or more of these fuels.

The first step is to ensure your home has at least one carbon monoxide detector:

  • Choose a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified detector;
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install, test, and use the detector;
  • If your detector is triggered, leave your home immediately and move to fresh air;
  • Never attempt to locate the source of carbon monoxide yourself;
  • Once outside your home, call 911; and
  • Never return to the home until the problem has been assessed and fixed by a professional.

Help keep your home free of carbon monoxide by following these steps:

  • Ensure fuel-burning appliances are well-maintained and inspected by a professional at least once annually;
  • Ensure the exhaust vents for dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, and stoves are clear – particularly during and after snowfalls;
  • Never use a barbecue, generator, or other fuel-burning appliance inside a home, garage, or any enclosed space;
  • Never allow a vehicle to idle inside a garage, even if the door is open; and
  • Never use kerosene or oil space heaters or lamps in enclosed areas unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.

Learn More
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 12 19                              9:50 a.m.