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• Have the heating system, vents, chimney and flue inspected and
cleaned by a qualified technician every year.
• Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation of all fuel-
burning appliances.
• Examine vents and chimneys regularly for improper connections,
visible rust or stains.
• Open a window when a fireplace or wood-burning stove is in use,
and provide adequate outdoor air for furnace and water heater.
• Notice problems that could indicate improper appliance operation:
– Decreasing hot water supply
– Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
– Sooting, especially on appliances
– Unfamiliar or burning odour
– Yellow or orange flame
• Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning:
– headaches, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting,
confusion and disorientation.
• Recognize that CO poisoning may be the cause when family
members suffer from flu-like symptoms that don’t disappear but
improve when they leave home for extended periods of time.
Be Aware of the Warning Signs of Carbon Monoxide:
Indicators of Possible CO Leaks
• Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-
burning appliances.
• A yellow or orange flame may indicate a problem with natural gas
appliances.
• Excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets.
• Loose or missing furnace panel.
• Moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms.
• Loose or disconnected vent/chimney, fireplace or appliance.
• Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney,
vent or flue pipe.
• Rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your
home.
• The absence of a draft in your chimney (indicating blockage).
• Fallen soot from the fireplace chimney.
• Loose, damaged or discoloured bricks on your chimney.
What You Should Know Before the Alarm Sounds
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