Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week ends today, but residents are advised to always stay prepared.

The colourless, odourless, toxic gas, commonly referred to as the "Silent Killer," can be produced in numerous ways such as idling cars in attached garages, clogged chimneys, gas space heaters, and gas stoves to name a few.

Ken Thevenot with the Okotoks Fire Department says it can be difficult to detect carbon monoxide poisoning from the symptoms.

"Some of the signs and symptoms... headaches, confusing, dizziness, nausea; any flu-like symptoms potentially could be signs of carbon monoxide."

Thevenot encourages residents to get a carbon monoxide detector if they don't have one, and to check it every month.

He also would like to remind residents that the Fire Department gives free home inspections for anyone with concerns about carbon monoxide or any fire safety query.

 

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