Enbridge Gas, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Burk’s Falls and District Fire Department announced they are working to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
Burk’s Falls and District received 84 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign that will provide over 16,600 alarms to residents in 70 municipalities across Ontario.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless gas that is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
“As we all know, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. Remember, if in doubt, get out and call 911,” says Fire Chief Dave McNay.
“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives,".says Luke Skaarup, Director, Northern Region Operations, Enbridge Gas. "We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning,”
The Burk’s Falls and District Fire Department is a volunteer department.
Its mission is to protect life and property, to preserve the environment of the village and visitors through prevention, public education and community involvement, and by intervention in the case of fires, medical emergencies or any other emergency situation.
It's Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal is reminding Ontarians about the risks of carbon monoxide and the important steps to take to avoid exposure in their homes.
“Check your appliances, know what symptoms to look for in case your family is exposed to carbon monoxide, and be sure to test your alarms regularly to make sure they are functioning as needed,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all Ontario homes that have a fuel-burning (wood, oil, natural gas, propane) appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage. This includes appliances that produce carbon monoxide such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, dryers, barbeques, portable heaters and generators. All fuel-burning appliances should be inspected regularly by a certified technician to check for leaks and ensure there is no build-up of carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide may be similar to the flu but without the elevated temperature. Known as the “silent killer,” exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness and death. Anyone who suspects they have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning should immediately go outside and call 9-1-1.
Ontario law requires that a working carbon monoxide alarm be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in homes that have a fuel-burning (i.e. wood, oil, natural gas, propane) appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.
Carbon monoxide alarms in rental units must be tested by the landlord annually and after every change in tenancy.
In Ontario, more than 65 per cent of injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide occur in the home.
