Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer”, as you cannot see it, smell it or taste it. It is an invisible, odorless gas that can very poisonous.

Breathing in carbon monoxide can make you feel sick, and feel as if you have the flu.

Cathie Bassett, Public Education Officer for the Moose Jaw Fire Department, on what sort of things can emit the deadly gas.
"Carbon Monoxide is a gas that is emitted from appliances that burn gas. It's produced by any household appliance such as a furnace, fireplace, gas stove, propane heater, kerosene lantern, anything like that. We're always more worried about CO in the winter time because our furnaces are on all the time, but it's an all year thing. Especially if you're out camping, or you're in your cabin, we have so many different devices that use different things. Propane heaters especially."

Breathing in carbon monoxide can make you feel sick, and feel as if you have the flu. You may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. Infants, small children, pregnant women, elderly people, and people with heart or lung problems are at the highest risk from CO.

Getting your appliances checked is the best way to ensure a safe home. Make sure they're in perfect running order.
"You don't want any gases leaking out. You have to make sure that everything is in tip top shape. And that just make sense for anything in your life. That's number one. Number 2 to stay safe, install your CO alarms. Always install them as per the manufacturers instructions because you shouldn't put them in windows or vents, or near heating or fuel burning appliances. You want to make sure they're on every level of your home, or near your sleeping areas. If you don't have one of those to detect it, you're not going to be aware of it."

It is possible to buy a combination alarm that works with both smoke and CO, though either way you go, it's important to keep them in working order.
"You have to check them. You have to make sure the batteries are changed at least once a year. Check them, make sure they're tested, make sure they're working, just like your smoke alarms. Treat them the same way, and make sure you replace them before 8 years or so. Because they are an electric appliance, and electrical appliances do wear out eventually."

If you do have an alarm go off, call 911.

"Get us out there. We have multi gas detectors on all of our trucks. We can come in and test your levels to make sure. Just to ease your peace of mind, if nothing else. Even if it's just a case of your detector is faulty and you have to change it out. Or there is a problem, then you'll be aware of it. If everybody is getting sick in your home, and you don't think it's the flu, get out immediately. Open all your windows, get out, stay out and call 911."

Fore more information and safety tips, click here.