As soon as a person begins to show symptoms (headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue), it is important to evacuate immediately.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, invisible gas that can cause intoxication leading to permanent injury or death. Carbon monoxide is produced by appliances requiring fuel such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, kerosene, naphtha or wood. Various household appliances produce carbon monoxide: propane-fuelled appliances, gas-powered engines, barbecues, lamps, space heaters, patio heaters, generators, etc.

We would also like to remind the population that no portable fuel-burning appliance such as propane-or naphtha-fuelled camping appliances should be used indoors. You may use permanent appliances such as kitchen stoves and propane- natural gas- or wood-burning fireplaces as long as they are certified and that your home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm.

Prevention tips

• Leave your outdoor appliances outside. This includes generators, camping appliances, and propane or charcoal-fuelled devices.

• When using a generator, place it outdoors, in a well-ventilated location, and make sure to point the exhaust pipe away from windows and openings.

• Keep constant fresh air supply in your home if you are using a fireplace.

• Make sure the exhaust pipes of these appliances are unobstructed.

What to do if you have been exposed to carbon monoxide:

• Go outside.

• Leave the door open for ventilation as you exit the premises.

• Dial le 9-1-1.

• Wait for a firefighter to authorize your return indoors.

• Watch out for any symptoms that family members may experience.

Montreal opened this past April 6^thsix temporary emergency shelterswhere residents without power may go to warm up and spend the night as they wait for power to be restored in their homes. Montrealers may also go warm up in one of the warming stations set up in various boroughs.