Area fire departments are warning of a silent killer in people’s homes.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1st to 7th and Muskoka Fire Prevention officers are asking people to remember to get all fuel-burning appliances inspected.
“In Ontario, more than 80% of injuries and deaths from CO occur in the home,” said Muskoka Lakes Fire Chief Richard Hayes. “We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO. Get all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a registered contractor.”
If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or wood burning stoves or fireplaces then there should be CO alarms installed. The law says they be on each floor and adjacent to each sleeping area of the home.
If you live in a condo or apartment that has a service room where an appliance is installed a CO alarm needs to be installed in all rooms beside and above that service room. The law requires landlords to provide those alarms.
Fire Prevention Officers also remind residents that a smoke alarm and CO alarm sound different. Test your CO alarm so you recognize what it sounds like. If you have questions about CO alarms and correct installation and inspection of fuel-burning appliances you can click here.