Timmins, ON – Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is scheduled for Nov 1st to 7th. Ontario’s new carbon monoxide law will save lives and the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week will bring into focus the importance of understanding where to install CO alarms, maintain and replace them.
Carol Heller, a home safety expert with Kidde Canada, says Ontario’s new CO alarm law that makes it mandatory for every home in the province with fuel-burning appliances or heating system, an attached garage, or a wood or gas fireplace to have working CO alarms outside all sleeping areas should result in a reduction of installation errors.
Statistics tell us that the majority of homeowners who install a single CO alarm, put it near or right in their furnace or utility room, thinking it needs to be close to their gas furnace,
Heller says.
Deadly carbon monoxide gas mixes freely with air throughout the entire home and, people tend to be most vulnerable when they are asleep, so it’s vital that CO alarms are installed near all sleeping areas.
Fire Chief Mike Pintar says that for
optimal protection it is recommended to install one carbon monoxide alarm on each storey of the home
.
Chief Pintar also warns that people who already have carbon monoxide alarms installed are not necessarily in the clear.
Not only is it important where an alarm is installed, the age of the alarm and whether or not it has been regularly tested and maintained are also critical safety factors.
The onus sits squarely on the homeowner to ensure their carbon monoxide alarms are properly maintained.Just like smoke alarms, all CO alarms have a test button that should be pressed monthly to confirm the alarm’s circuitry is functioning as it should. Batteries should be replaced at least once annually, and for hardwired or plug-in models, that includes batteries that act as backup in case of a power outage.
Pintar adds,
The official announcement of this law is a perfect time for homeowners to install the protection they need. Don’t wait until the end of the compliance period.
Ontario’s new CO law mandates that CO alarms are required to be replaced within the timeframe indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions and/or on the label on the unit.
Check the age of all your existing CO alarms, and replace any devices built before 2008. Every carbon monoxide alarm needs to be replaced every 7-10 years depending on the brand. And remember the causes – Carbon Monoxide can be produced when ANY fuel is burnt, including oil, gas, wood and coal. To prevent Carbon Monoxide, ensure your appliances are installed and serviced annually by a Registered Gas Installer, a Registered Oil Technician, or a qualified service agent for your fuel type. Also make sure vents, flues and chimneys are kept clear.
Additional information available by visiting www.youtube.com/hawkinsgignacact; www.safeathome.ca or www.facebook.com/firesafetycouncil
For more information contact Mike Pintar, Fire Chief 705-360-2626 or [email protected]
Media Contact:
Guy Lamarche
Manager Tourism, Events & Communications
City of Timmins 705-360-2600 ext. 2404
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