SURREY, BC, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - As families and friends gather indoors to
celebrate the holiday season, Terasen Gas reminds people to be aware of the
dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
    Carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate in a home when heating appliances
such as furnaces or fireplaces aren't functioning or venting properly.
Symptoms of CO poisoning often resemble the common flu - headaches, nausea,
fatigue, confusion, and dizziness.
    "During this time of year we receive an increased number of emergency
calls related to carbon monoxide," said Jan Marston, Terasen Gas marketing
vice president.
    "An undetected carbon monoxide leak can have tragic consequences. The
best way to protect your family is to ensure your gas appliances are regularly
serviced and inspected by a licensed gas contractor registered with the BC
Safety Authority."
    Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels such as natural gas,
gasoline, propane, or wood are not completely burned. CO is a colorless,
odourless, tasteless, and non-irritating poisonous gas. When inhaled, CO
interferes with the blood's ability to absorb and transport oxygen. In severe
cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.
    If you suspect someone is suffering from CO poisoning, move them to fresh
air right away and see that they get medical attention. Call your local fire
department or the Terasen Gas emergency number at 1-800-663-9911 to verify the
presence of CO and determine its source.
    Regular maintenance and inspection of your heating equipment by certified
professionals is the best safe guard, but carbon monoxide alarms certified to
the CSA 6.19-01 standard can provide additional protection.
    For more information on natural gas and carbon monoxide safety, visit the
Terasen Gas web site at http://www.terasengas.com/ or call 1-800-224-2710.

    Terasen Gas delivers natural gas and piped propane to homes and
businesses. The Terasen Gas group of companies includes Terasen Gas Inc.,
Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., Terasen Gas (Squamish) Inc. and Terasen
Gas (Whistler) Inc.


    Fast Facts: A guide to carbon monoxide safety
    ---------------------------------------------

    Symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are often similar to the flu:
    -  chronic headaches;
    -  nausea;
    -  drowsiness;
    -  impaired judgment and loss of coordination;
    -  an unidentified chronic odour inside the building; and
    -  condensation on cool, indoor surfaces.
    Exposure to high amounts of CO can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage
and death.

    If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:
    -  move the person to fresh air right away
    -  call for medical assistance
    If you think you have a carbon monoxide problem in your home, call a gas
contractor or Terasen Gas.

    Avoid problems with CO:
    -  Always have a qualified gas contractor install, inspect and service
       your natural gas appliances and check vents regularly to make sure
       that they are not disconnected, blocked or corroded.
    -  Make sure your contractor uses licensed gas fitters. Also ask if they
       know how to check heat exchangers - firms who are solely in the
       furnace installation or cleaning business may not be qualified to do
       this kind of inspection.
    -  ALWAYS keep furnace fan compartment doors and/or the filter access
       panel in place.
    -  Check that outside air ducts are clear. Be sure to clean bug screens
       before every heating season.
    -  If you have an open wood-burning fireplace, open the damper and
       partially open a window or door at or below the level of the fireplace
       when the fireplace is in use; close the damper after each fire, but
       only after the ashes are cool.
    -  Remove vehicles from the garage immediately after starting the engine.
    -  Never use a barbeque inside the house or garage.
    -  Install a carbon monoxide alarm.

    When choosing a carbon monoxide alarm:
    -  Look for a unit labeled and certified to CSA standard CSA 6.19 2001.
       This shows the unit complies with the latest Canadian safety
       standards.
    -  Choose a suitable power source - battery operated, plug-in, or
       hardwired.
    -  Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, proper use
       and maintenance. CO alarms are usually installed adjacent to sleeping
       areas.

    Remember - a CO alarm is not a substitute for regular furnace and
fireplace maintenance.



 

For further information: Media contact: Dean Pelkey, Media Relations
Manager, Terasen Gas, Phone: (604) 576-7300, Email:
dean.pelkey@terasengas.com;
Archived images on this organization are available through CNW E-Pix at
http://www.newswire.ca/. Images are free to members of The Canadian Press.

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