Manitoba Hydro recommends everyone in the Parkland get a carbon monoxide detector for their homes.
From November 1st to the 7th it’s National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
Linda Carter, the Public Safety & Education Coordinator with Manitoba Hydro, explains what CO gas is.
“Carbon Monoxide is invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that we can’t actually detect on our own. We sometimes refer to it as the silent killer. If it’s in our home, we need to have a carbon monoxide detector in order to alert us to that danger.”
She says the gas is very dangerous. “If we start to inhale carbon monoxide it depletes our red blood cells of oxygen. There are varying symptoms. It shows up as a headache, kind of flu-like symptoms, people would get nauseous, you might get blurred vision. If it’s through the night, people are sleeping; there are times that people get consumed with the fumes and then they can go unconscious.”
She explains what you can do to prevent a leak in your home.
“Probably one of the best ways to prevent carbon monoxide in your home is just through property maintenance. If you have any natural gas appliances or fuel burning equipment in your home, properly maintain them. So getting them serviced regularity, making sure that the ventilation for all those appliances is clear.”
Until the end of the month, Hydro is offering a $10 instant rebate on lots of plug-in models with a battery back-up that has the CSA or UL certification.
The rebate is available at locations in the Parkland including Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, McMunn and Yates. Other places include London Drugs, Home Depot, or Costco.
