As winter settles in across Canada, the very real threat of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home increases during the cold months.

Whether you’re in a home, condo or apartment, it’s always a good idea to walk around the outside your residence after a big dump of snow to make sure the vents associated with your property are clear. These vents include for your furnace, your hot water heater and vents for appliances, such as a clothes dryer. If these vents are blocked, the risk of deadly carbon monoxide buildup inside the property increases. If your home has a chimney, you’ll also want to make sure it isn’t blocked.

Known as the ‘’silent killer’’, carbon monoxide is an odourless and tasteless gas. In 2010, a national building code made it mandatory for new homes in Canada to be fitted with carbon monoxide detectors. In 2014, the province of Ontario updated its fire code to require new and old homes to have a carbon monoxide detector.

While strides are being made to protect Canadians, many Canadians are still vulnerable to this deadly gas. According to Pierre Voisine, a Director of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, at least 50 people per year die of carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada.

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With so many people still at risk, now is the time to update your detector to make sure you and your family are protected against a carbon monoxide leak within your home.

If you’re thinking of adding a security/automation system to your home, this can also monitor carbon monoxide levels, amongst other things. Adding a home security/automation system also means you’ll be eligible for an alarm discount, which can save you up to 10% off your home insurance premiums.