Calgary Fire Department responds to carbon monoxide leak in southeast

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) is highlighting the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms after responding to an emergency in the southeast Wednesday morning.

CFD says just after 7 a.m., two people were suddenly woken up by their CO alarm. The caller told 911 he woke up feeling lightheaded.

The two people safely evacuated with their cats and dogs.

Responders to the scene measured CO levels of 200 parts per million in the basement and immediately began ventilating the home

ATCO Gas was called to the scene to investigate the source of the carbon monoxide, now thought to be the furnace.

CFD says none of the home’s residents were taken to hospital.

As fall weather gets colder and furnaces work harder, the fire department says it sees an increase in carbon monoxide calls.

CO is a poisonous gas that has no colour, smell or taste and long-term exposure can can cause sickness or lead to death.

Symptoms of CO gas exposure include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, and loss of consciousness. Other warning signs include stale or stuffy air, a lot of moisture on windows and walls, soot build up around appliances and vents, or a pilot light that keeps going out.

If anyone in your home experiences the symptoms of CO poisoning or your CO alarm goes off, you should leave your house and call 911. Don’t go back in the house until the fire department says it is safe to do so.

More information about safety in and around your home can be found at calgary.ca/fire