At approximately 8:30 a.m. yesterday morning, County Regional Fire Service responded to a residential carbon monoxide alarm.

Upon arrival, residents were evacuated while crews began to survey the home, finding dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air.

“The family was actually unsure of what to do when they heard their carbon monoxide alarm,” says Regional Fire Service Captain of Dangerous Goods Mike Shykora.“It’s critical to test your carbon monoxide alarm so you know what it sounds like, and when the alarm sounds, call 911.”

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly. The gas molecules readily bond to hemoglobin in the bloodstream, which interferes with oxygen intake. With dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, emergency personnel must wear breathing devices to protect themselves. If the family had remained in their house they would have suffered from carbon monoxide exposure and could have become severely ill or died.

An issue with the furnace led to the high levels of carbon monoxide that triggered the alarm. No one in the home was injured.

Remember to regularly test your carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries twice per year. Annual furnace inspections by a certified technician are important to ensure that your furnace is working properly, and should be completed before the winter season. Each carbon monoxide alarm has a specific expiry date, which can be found on the alarm itself.