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.
Protect your home with these simple actions.
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.
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.
Check that exhaust vents from all natural gas appliances are not blocked. Have a chimney checkup each year.
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:
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.
CO is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas that can be deadly.
Any fuel-burning appliance that isn’t working or installed properly can release CO: furnaces, stoves, grills, fireplaces or vehicles. CO can build up indoors and poison people and pets who breathe it. CO can also be produced from the exhaust of cars, lawnmowers, snowblowers or anything that burns oil, gas, wood or coal.
The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (without the fever): headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and weakness. If you breathe in a high concentration of CO, it can be deadly.
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).
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).
Carbon monoxide and natural gas are not the same thing. Carbon monoxide detectors will not detect natural gas leaks. Natural gas contains and odourant that makes it smell like rotten eggs, even in very small concentrations. If you smell rotten eggs, there could be a leak in your natural gas piping. Open all doors and windows, do no use electrical equipment, extinguish all open flames/heat sources, and leave the building. Call Enbridge Gas immediately at 1-866-763-5427.
A CO alarm detects carbon monoxide, a smoke alarm detects smoke. Both are required by law to protect your home and family. Some manufacturers do offer combines smoke and CO alarms in one device.
It's the law to find out where underground utility lines are located before you start digging.
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If you smell rotten eggs or sulphur, leave the area immediately and call 911.
Know the signs
Have natural gas appliances inspected annually by a TSSA-registered HVAC contractor.
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