Beware of overloaded electrical outlets and CO poisoning

In an effort to help everyone have a safe holiday season, the Calgary Fire Department is cautioning Calgarians about overloaded electrical outlets, which are more prevalent this time of year, and about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

When the weather gets cold, cars need to be plugged in and some indoor rooms might require extra warmth with space heaters. Add to that Christmas lights and more extension cords and the result could be overloaded outlets, which could lead to an electrical fire.

“From worn out cords to too many appliances that emit heat – there are several reasons why we recommend everyone keep a close eye on electrical outlets and on the appliances being plugged in over the holidays and during the winter,” said Carol Henke, Public Information Officer, Calgary Fire Department.

The Calgary Fire Department has several tips on electrical safety:

Only plug one heat-producing appliance, such as a space heater, coffee maker or toaster, into an outlet at a time.
Major appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators or dryers, should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords or power bars should not be used.
Make sure electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets.
Replace electrical cords or appliances when the cord is worn or damaged.
Call a qualified electrician if you have a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance, and when wall outlets become warm, discoloured or you see sparks emitting from it.
Only use indoor extension cords indoors. If they are used outdoors and exposed to weather they may become a fire hazard.

The Calgary Fire Department is also reminding Calgarians about the dangers of CO, which is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating gas that can be deadly.

“In the winter we typically see an increase in CO calls related to blocked exhausts and fresh air intakes, which cause carbon monoxide to build up in homes,” said Henke. “Fortunately, most people are alerted to the problem by their carbon monoxide alarm.”

CO is emitted from appliances fuelled by propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil, coal, wood, charcoal, kerosene and other combustible materials. Common sources of CO in the home are:

Burning a wood fire without opening a window.
Clogged or blocked fireplace or furnace chimney.
Corroded or disconnected water-heater vent-connector pipe.
Leaving a vehicle running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
Fresh air intakes blocked with leaves, snow, ice, birds' nests or other debris.

In high amounts, CO can kill. The symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, vomiting, headache, burning eyes and loss of muscle control. To prevent CO exposure in your home, ensure all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The Calgary Fire Department also recommends installing and maintaining a working CO alarm, which sounds an alert when CO builds up in a home.

If someone in your home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning or the CO alarms sounds, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 9-1-1.

For more information on fire prevention and home safety, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire.

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