NEWS RELEASE
ESSA FIRE DEPARTMENT
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You can’t see it, taste it, smell it, or touch it. The only way you have of knowing that carbon monoxide is lurking, is with a working CO alarm.
“Many people don’t even recognize the sources of carbon monoxide that are in their homes,” says Essa Fire Chief Cynthia Ross Tustin. “It could be the car in your attached garage, your gas fired hot water heater; or your oil furnace. Even your wood stove, these are all potential sources of carbon monoxide. And unless you have a working CO alarm, you’ll never know until it’s too late.”
Small children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the poisonous gas.
There have been many incidents right here in Essa where carbon monoxide alarms have saved lives; they were properly installed as required outside sleeping areas in homes.
The Essa Fire Department reminds everyone to ensure their alarms are working; but we are going one step farther. We encourage all building owners with fuel burning appliances to install CO alarms for the safety of their customers and employees.
Across Ontario, “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week” is Nov. 1 to 7 each year. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in Ontario, in Canada, and across North America.
The Essa Fire Department promotes having a working CO alarm all year; but since November is the start of prime heating season, we are additionally reminding people to have their fuel burning appliances inspected and their chimneys cleaned.
CO is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels and can be released by fuel burning appliances, cars, barbeques and generators. If you’re looking for more information about protecting your family for the “silent killer,” please visit this link for the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.
Residents are encouraged to contact the fire department if they are unsure if they require one or more carbon monoxide alarms in their home; and are reminded to check their devices to see if they have expired; and to test their devices monthly.
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