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Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2020 - November 1 to 7

Mississippi Mills welcomes Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week by focusing on ways to keep our residents safe.  To mark Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2020, The Mississippi Mills Fire Department (MMFD) is encouraging everyone to test their carbon monoxide alarms and ensure all fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and outside vents in their home are frequently inspected to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Carbon Monoxide Week serves as an excellent reminder to inspect, check and test the carbon monoxide alarms in your home and ensure they are working properly," said Fire Chief Chad Brown. "With the onset of cooler weather and people spending more time indoors, it's imperative that we take preventative steps to avoid the dangers related to carbon monoxide."

Here is how MMFD recommends you protect yourself from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO):

  • Look for signs of CO exposure which may include flu-like symptoms - headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and in extreme cases, death.
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions for your carbon monoxide alarms to know the difference between the sound of an alarm and the sound of a low battery or end of life warning. Test your alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the sound of each alarm.
  • Never run small engines or operate barbecues indoors as they can produce a lethal amount of carbon monoxide.
  • When using a generator, ensure it is placed outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
  • Always start your vehicle with the garage door open.

In Ontario, the law requires that carbon monoxide alarms be installed outside all sleeping areas of homes with a fuel-burning appliance like a gas furnace, a fireplace or an attached garage. Installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of a home provides added protection.

"It's essential to have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a registered contractor to inspect your fuel-burning appliances and ensure there is no build-up of carbon monoxide happening," stated Chief Brown. "Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly.  Carbon monoxide alarms can detect the presence of this lethal gas and alert occupants to the hazardous threat. Install alarms in your home and test them monthly."

Carbon Monoxide Facts:

  • CO legislation is named in honour of the Hawkins family — Laurie, Richard, and their children, Cassandra and Jordan — who were tragically killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their Woodstock home.
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning.
  • Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as propane and natural gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully.  Burning charcoal, running cars and the smoke from cigarettes also produce carbon monoxide gas.
  • If you live in a condo or apartment building with a service room, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in the service room and in each suite or sleeping room adjacent to the service room.

  If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone out of the home and into fresh air, and CALL 9-1-1.