00:00Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, or ice and snow storms can all lead to power outages.
00:07If the power goes out, you're at higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you use outdoor, fuel-burning equipment in indoor areas and in other unventilated or poorly ventilated areas.
00:17Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that's produced from burning fuels like gas, oil, charcoal, or wood.
00:26Low-level exposure to CO can cause tiredness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and impaired motor functions.
00:32At high levels, it can cause dizziness, chest pain, poor vision, unconsciousness, and can lead to death.
00:38If the power goes out, never use outdoor, fuel-burning equipment such as barbecues, camping stoves, or space heaters indoors, including inside a shed or garage.
00:47Do not use a fuel-burning generator indoors or in your garage or shed.
00:51Operate it at least 6 meters from any home or building.
00:54The only way CO can be detected is with a certified alarm.
00:58These should be installed on every floor of your home and outside every sleeping area.
01:02Regularly test your CO alarms and replace the backup batteries as per the manufacturer's instructions so they'll work in a power outage.
01:09If your CO alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and move to fresh air.
01:13Do not try to locate the source of the carbon monoxide.
01:17Once outside, call 911, your local fire department, or emergency services.
01:21Return to your home only after the problem has been fixed by a professional.
01:25To learn more about preventing CO poisoning at home, visit Canada.ca slash airhealth.
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