The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning after an extreme weather event
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This increases the likelihood of power outages. Follow the advice in this video to protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning if the power does go out.
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LifestyleTranscript
00:00Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, or ice and snow storms can all lead to power outages.
00:07If the power goes out, you're at higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you use outdoor, fuel-burning equipment in indoor areas and in other unventilated or poorly ventilated areas.
00:17Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that's produced from burning fuels like gas, oil, charcoal, or wood.
00:26Low-level exposure to CO can cause tiredness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and impaired motor functions.
00:32At high levels, it can cause dizziness, chest pain, poor vision, unconsciousness, and can lead to death.
00:38If the power goes out, never use outdoor, fuel-burning equipment such as barbecues, camping stoves, or space heaters indoors, including inside a shed or garage.
00:47Do not use a fuel-burning generator indoors or in your garage or shed.
00:51Operate it at least 6 meters from any home or building.
00:54The only way CO can be detected is with a certified alarm.
00:58These should be installed on every floor of your home and outside every sleeping area.
01:02Regularly test your CO alarms and replace the backup batteries as per the manufacturer's instructions so they'll work in a power outage.
01:09If your CO alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and move to fresh air.
01:13Do not try to locate the source of the carbon monoxide.
01:17Once outside, call 911, your local fire department, or emergency services.
01:21Return to your home only after the problem has been fixed by a professional.
01:25To learn more about preventing CO poisoning at home, visit Canada.ca slash airhealth.