The cooler seasons mean more of us are turning on the heat in our homes.

For some, it may mean that they are turning their natural gas appliances on for the first time in months. FortisBC, which provides electricity and natural gas services in many communities throughout the province, urges residents to get their appliances checked out as soon as possible to keep themselves and their families safe.

Jas Baweja is a communications specialist with the utility. He said itsa国际传媒檚 essential to check appliances, especially now that residents are closing their doors and windows more often, leaving no opportunities to ventilate homes should there be carbon monoxide exposure.

sa国际传媒淐arbon monoxide is a gas thatsa国际传媒檚 produced from appliances that arensa国际传媒檛 functioning properly because they donsa国际传媒檛 burn their natural gas completely,sa国际传媒� he said.

sa国际传媒淭oo much exposure to carbon monoxide can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, even unconsciousness.sa国际传媒�

He added that the risk of carbon monoxide exposure from well-maintained appliances is low, but appliances that donsa国际传媒檛 completely burn their gasoline, propane, wood or natural gas fuels can produce carbon monoxide.

Since itsa国际传媒檚 an invisible and odourless gas, it can be difficult to detect when theresa国际传媒檚 a leak, which is why preventative servicing is an important first step.

Baweja said another safety tip is to install a carbon monoxide detector.

sa国际传媒淭his way, if theresa国际传媒檚 a carbon monoxide in your home, those detectors can alert you so you can get outside and call for help,sa国际传媒� he said.

sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 a great idea to install those near places such as bedrooms, so they can alert you even when yousa国际传媒檙e sleeping.sa国际传媒�

Another tip he shared is never to use cooking equipment designed for outdoor use inside, including barbecues or camp stoves.

Should you experience carbon monoxide exposure symptoms, Baweja said the first thing to do is get outside and call for help.

sa国际传媒淕et some fresh air immediately and once yousa国际传媒檙e outside, please dial 911 and wait for help to arrive,sa国际传媒� he said.

More information on carbon monoxide safety can be found .

READ MORE: Diversity still lacking UBC Okanagan, say some racialized students

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .