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Carbon Monoxide Safety

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Carbon Monoxide Safety

What is carbon monoxide (CO)?

Natural gas is safe and reliable. But if any fuel-burning equipment isn’t working properly, including your furnace, water heater or fireplace (or a blocked vent or chimney), it can release CO, a poisonous gas that can be deadly.

CO is often called the ‘silent killer’ because you can't see or smell it. Read the tips below to learn how to keep you and your loved ones safe. Then watch the short, interactive video (right) to test your CO safety smarts.


3 steps to stay safe

Protect your home with these simple actions.


1. Inspection and maintenance

Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a TSSA-registered contractor each year.

Remember: Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment (generators, patio heaters, barbecues) inside your home or garage.


2. Install carbon monoxide alarms

It’s the law! Install a CO alarm near all sleeping areas. For added protection, install a CO alarm on each level of your home.

  • Test your CO alarms monthly.
  • Change batteries twice a year.
  • Check the expiration date.


3. Clear outdoor vents

Check that exhaust vents from all natural gas appliances are not blocked. Have a chimney checkup each year.

Know the symptoms

CO poisoning symptoms are similar to those of the flu (without the fever). To stay safe, install CO alarms according to the law. Test CO alarms monthly and change the batteries and check the expiration date of CO alarms twice a year.

Depending on the amount of CO inhaled and the length of exposure, symptoms may include:

Low concentration

  • Slight headache
  • Shortage of breath during moderate physical activity

Higher concentration

  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Mental confusion
  • Weakness
  • Vision/hearing impairment
  • Collapse or fainting
  • Loss of muscle control, drowsiness

Extreme concentration

  • Unconsciousness
  • Brain damage
  • Death

If you suspect a CO problem, go outside immediately and get into fresh air. Call 911 and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the home until it is determined safe by a qualified professional, such as a firefighter.

Know what to do

If your CO alarm sounds and someone is experiencing medical symptoms:

  • Go outside immediately and get into fresh air.
  • Call 911 from a safe distance and seek medical attention.
  • Call a heating contractor for an inspection (there will be a charge for this service).

If your CO alarm sounds and there are no medical symptoms:

  • Open all doors and windows.
  • Call a heating contractor for an inspection (there will be a charge for this service).

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