The Steinbach Fire Department has been called out to a number of carbon monoxide alarms so far this winter and on two occasions the houses did have high levels of carbon monoxide.

Steinbach Fire Chief Kel Toews says in both cases the high carbon monoxide levels were due to furnaces not functioning properly. He gives some tips on keeping your home safe.

"The biggest thing is to make sure you service your furnaces or any gas burning appliance annually to ensure it is running right because carbon monoxide is a result of incomplete combustion which means your furnace is not working correctly and it is creating carbon monoxide."

Toews says even fireplaces can create carbon monoxide though it is not nearly as likely. He notes the number of alarms the fire department has responded to this season are on par with an average year.

"Generally we show up on scene and we have measuring devices that measure the carbon monoxide levels in the home and if it is a gas appliance, we will also get Manitoba Hydro into check. They have more sensitive equipment, they can pinpoint where it is coming from."

Toews says furnaces are the most common appliance create carbon monoxide levels. He says it is always a good idea to have good detectors.

"Every home should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector on every level where someone sleeps and if your home does not have hardwired detectors, you can purchase plugin type of carbon monoxide detectors, they work as well."

Toews adds all detectors have expiry dates printed on them that should be followed.