[Home Safety] Sudden Carbon Monoxide Leak / Alarm Sounding (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning)

Applicable Scenario: In winter while running the heating or gas boiler, the carbon monoxide (CO) detector suddenly screams; or when alone at home, you inexplicably feel completely weak, have a severe headache, dizziness, or nausea (the invisible, flu-like symptoms of CO poisoning).

Self-Help & Quick Solutions:

  1. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible killer: It is colorless and odorless. Once the alarm sounds, never treat it as a false alarm.
  2. Evacuate immediately: Stop using any gas appliances, and do not look for the leak. Push open doors and windows on your way out, and leave the house immediately to get fresh air outside.
  3. Stay conscious: Deep breathe once you reach safety. If you feel severe dizziness or confusion, sit or lie down on the spot to prevent falling and hurting yourself.

Who to Call & Contact Info:

  • Alarm sounding or symptoms appearing: Once you are in a safe area, call 911 immediately. The Vancouver Fire Department has professional air detectors and will come to inspect and handle the leak source for free.
  • BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC): According to BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) safety guidelines, you should step outside into fresh air immediately.

What should I do immediately if my carbon monoxide (CO) detector starts sounding at home?

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless killer; never treat it as a false alarm. Stop using any gas appliances and do not look for the leak. Push open doors and windows on your way out, and leave the house immediately to get fresh air outside. Once you are in a safe area, call 911 immediately. The Vancouver Fire Department has professional air detectors and will come to inspect and handle the leak source.

What are the early, easily overlooked symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning when I am home alone?

CO poisoning exhibits “flu-like” symptoms without a fever. If you inexplicably feel completely weak, have a severe headache, dizziness, or nausea, you must act fast. According to BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) safety guidelines, you should step outside into fresh air immediately. If you feel severe dizziness or confusion, sit or lie down on the spot to prevent falling and hurting yourself, then call 911.