A new campaign is looking to raise awareness on the importance of carbon monoxide detectors.
The 2021 Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness Campaign is running until March 30, in an effort to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide in the community – and how you can detect it.
The campaign is a collaboration between the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario’s fuels safety regulator, and the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education.
Fire Prevention Officer Shannon Armitage says on average, 11 people a year are killed provincewide by CO poisoning.
“Sometimes people keep their carbon monoxide alarms plugged in in the basement, by their fuel-burning appliance and while that’s good as an additional alarm, the main alarm must be located outside the sleeping area,” Armitage said. “That’s the law.”
The two-week campaign focuses on delivering important CO safety messages to community
This includes having all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by TSSA-certified fuel technicians, as well as installation and regular testing of certified CO alarms in your home.
“In your home, in your cottage, your trailer, if you sleep in a boat, if your kids are going to grandma and grandpa’s house, or a sleepover – have a carbon monoxide alarm,” Armitage said. “It’s the best money you’ll ever spend, and it’s guaranteed to save lives every day.”
Armitage adds it’s vital to know the symptoms of CO poisoning, which includes nausea, headache, burning eyes, confusion and drowsiness.
If these symptoms appear, you should get everyone outside to fresh air immediately, and call 911 or your local fire department.