Prince George, BC – The BC Ambulance Service is warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during this cold snap…

BCAS Superintendent, Shane Code, says, "With the colder weather, it is especially important to have regular maintenance of your furnace and chimney done, avoid running vehicles inside closed garages, and install carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to ensure your family is safe."

Code says most homes are well insulated and indoor air isn't easily exchanged with fresh outdoor air.  He's advising homeowners to use only approved, properly-vented fireplaces and urging those who may be without power to avoid using gas generators, gas or charcoal bbqs, diesel fuel, propane, or natural gas to heat their residences.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless toxic gas.  The initial symptoms of poisoning are similar to the flu, without the fever, and include:  headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pains, nausea, and dizziness.  In the past year, BCAS paramedics have responded to more than 80 medical incidents province-wide, involving carbon monoxide poisoning.

Code is advising anyone suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning to evacuate the building, ventilate the area to the outside, and call 911 immediately.