With winter approaching, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is speaking out about the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure and encouraging Atlantic Canadians to safeguard their homes with CO alarms.
Known as the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly when fuel-burning appliances are not properly maintained or ventilated.
According to Health Canada, nearly two-thirds of CO poisoning cases occur during the fall and winter. IBC is urging residents to install CO alarms as the most reliable way to detect the gas before it poses a serious health risk. Symptoms of CO poisoning range from mild headaches and fatigue to severe outcomes such as coma and death at higher levels of exposure.
Graham Little, IBC’s Director of Government Relations, has urged homeowners to place CO alarms near bedrooms to ensure alerts are heard during sleep and close to fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters.
He said that CO alarms complement, but do not replace, smoke alarms, which should be installed on every level of a home. Alarms should be installed away from humid areas and open windows to avoid false readings and maintain their reliability.
“Investing in a CO alarm is a small but essential step in protecting your household from an invisible threat,” Little said in a blog post. “With proper installation, maintenance, and regular testing, these alarms can make a critical difference in home safety.”
IBC also highlighted maintenance tips for CO alarms, recommending that they be tested regularly using the built-in test button and replaced every five to seven years, as indicated by the manufacturer. Batteries should be replaced annually, and regular cleaning can help prevent dust and debris from affecting the alarm’s sensors.
As part of a broader campaign to increase CO awareness, IBC has partnered with the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (November 1-7) for the 2024 Atlantic Canada CO Education Tour.
The campaign included the donation of 300 CO alarms to fire departments in Charlottetown, Moncton, and Halifax, along with educational resources like CO information brochures and children’s safety activity books featuring "Ricky the CO Safety Ranger."
