Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, toxic gas produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, or wood burn incompletely. In homes it can come from a cracked furnace heat exchanger, a blocked vent or chimney, a malfunctioning fireplace or water heater, or an idling vehicle. Early exposure symptoms resemble the flu.
Why it matters to you
Many Fraser Valley homes burn FortisBC natural gas in furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces, and sealed-up homes in a long, damp heating season give exhaust fewer ways out. CO cannot be seen or smelled, so an alarm is the only warning.
Practical guidance
Install CO alarms near sleeping areas and on each level, and test them regularly. If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911; if you smell gas, leave without touching switches and call FortisBC's emergency line from outside — then call your HVAC contractor.