Safety Tip

Your Winter Reminder

As autumn brings cooler temperatures, it’s time to prepare for the frosty days of winter! Keep your family safe, warm, and snug by ensuring that your heating system is ready to handle the cold. All heating appliances—whether they use wood, oil, propane, or other materials—produce toxic gases and fumes. For your safety, make sure a qualified professional services your furnace or stove every year.

Winter Safety Tips:

• Have your heating appliance inspected by a professional:
  • Clean all connecting flue pipes. Ensure there is no rust or discolouration, and that all joints are tightly secured with at least three metal screws at every joint.
  • Make sure your chimney is clean and the liner is in good condition. Signs of rust, separated seams, or internal collapse mean your chimney may need to be replaced.
  • Inspect all ductwork, heating vents, and registers. Dust and other combustibles can collect on heating elements over the summer, posing a fire hazard.

The Deadly Danger of Toxic Gas:

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly because it’s undetectable until it’s too late. You can’t see it, taste it, or smell it. Everyone is at risk, but certain groups—such as individuals with heart or lung problems, infants, unborn babies, children, and older adults—are especially vulnerable.

If you inhale moderate amounts of carbon monoxide mixed with carbon dioxide, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritability, and confusion. High levels of exposure can cause vomiting, unconsciousness, brain damage, and eventually death.

Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Blocked Chimneys:
  Burning fuels produce gases that must be safely vented outside. Exhaust systems should have proper clearance and be checked regularly for blockages.
• Collapsed Liners:
  All chimneys and stovepipes should be visually inspected. A collapsed liner prevents toxic gases from escaping.
• Improperly Installed Appliances:
  Do not use more than one fuel-burning appliance in a small, enclosed space. Too many appliances in one room can reduce oxygen levels, causing carbon monoxide to form.
  Modern airtight homes often have air exchangers. If these units are not properly installed, not enough fresh air will enter from outside. Insufficient oxygen can cause improper combustion, leading to the production of dangerous gases.

How to Protect Your Home and Family:

• Smoke Detectors:
  A working smoke detector is your first line of defence against fires. Install one on every level of your home and change the batteries regularly.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
  Carbon monoxide detectors protect against toxic gases and deadly fumes. Install them in furnace and laundry rooms, hallways, and any room with a heating unit. Detectors can be hardwired with battery backups.
• Ventilation for Portable Heaters and Grills:
  Always ventilate portable fuel-fired heaters, charcoal grills, and gas lanterns when used indoors. Keep a window partially open or install a mechanical ventilation system to ensure proper airflow.
• Prevent Carbon Monoxide from Entering Your Home:
  Do not run your car’s engine in an attached garage or near an open door or window where exhaust fumes could enter your home.

Stay Safe This Winter:

Prevent a deadly disaster by being vigilant about fire safety and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Think safe! Stay safe!