Carbon Monoxide in Quebec: Recognize Poisoning and Evacuate
Recognize an invisible gas, leave immediately for an alarm or symptoms and prevent exposures associated with combustion.
Invisible and odourless
Carbon monoxide cannot be sensed. Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, confusion or unconsciousness may affect several occupants and improve outside.
Alarm or symptoms
Go outside immediately without spending time finding the source, take occupants when safe and call 911. Do not return until emergency services authorize it.
Higher risk
Infants, pregnant and older people, and those with heart or respiratory disease may be affected sooner. Pets may show weakness, vomiting or unusual behaviour.
Do not delay to ventilate
Opening a few windows does not make a space safe. Do not turn off or move equipment when that increases exposure.
Common sources
Generators, engines, barbecues, heaters, fireplaces and vehicles can produce CO. Never use fuel-burning devices in a home, garage, shelter or unintended semi-enclosed space.
Alarms
Install certified alarms in recommended locations, learn the signal, test and replace batteries and units as directed. Alarms never replace maintenance.
Outages and winter
Keep generators outside and away from openings as directed. Clear appliance vents after snow or ice and never idle a vehicle in a garage.
After exposure
Follow medical assessment even if symptoms improve. Have the source identified and corrected before restarting equipment.
Tenants and landlords
Report an alarm, defective appliance or missing required equipment in writing. When danger is present, evacuate first; responsibility can be determined afterward using reports and evidence.
Official government resource (French)