All this week, the Moose Jaw Fire Department is reminding residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide leaks.

CO is known as the silent killer since it is orderless, tasteless, and invisible. You won't know that you are being poisoned until you are already very sick. It can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and ultimately, death.

Cathy Bassett is the public education officer with the Moose Jaw Fire Department. She explains how carbon monoxide can be produced in your home.

"CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, or wood do not burn completely. Devices like your furnace, fireplace, hot water heater, stove, bbq: they can all produce carbon monoxide."

Since we use these heating appliances more in the winter, Bassett says that it's a good idea to have them inspected each autumn.

"Appliances break down obviously and they should be inspected at least once a year in the fall to make sure they are running properly. Make sure everything is clean and vented properly."

Even if it is hard to detect, there are a few warning signs you can look out for.

"If you have pets in your house, because they are small, they're going to show up being sick first. Or small children will get sick faster than adults. We've got multi-gas detectors and we can come into your home and check to see if there are any carbon monoxide leaks."

Most important of all, are CO detectors. 

This photo shows the best locations for smoke and CO detectors in your home. (Courtesy of MPFD).

"Make sure that you test them regularly just like you would a smoke alarm. And they need to be in the right place in your home so make sure they are installed in the exact spot that the manufacturer says."

CO detectors usually last around seven years and can be found at most hardware stores.