The Town of Bracebridge and the Bracebridge Fire Department are raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from Nov. 1 to 7. The Town will be joining communities across Ontario to promote the use of CO alarms and increase awareness about the dangers of this invisible, odourless, and deadly gas, encouraging families to take steps to keep their homes safe.
According to officials, beginning next year, updates to the Ontario Fire Code will mandate that homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage must have a CO alarm installed next to every sleeping area and on each storey of the home.
Officials said the new regulation will align with the requirements for smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas and at least one installed per storey of the home.
So far, the Ontario Fire Code only mandates carbon monoxide alarms to be installed outside all sleeping areas.
Town officials encourage residents to test CO alarms monthly, replace the batteries at least once a year, and have fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, gas stoves, and fireplaces inspected annually by a certified technician.
Officials said exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, loss of consciousness, and even death.
For more information about CO safety, visit bracebridge.ca/fire or contact the Bracebridge Fire Department.
