It's CO Awareness Week and a new survey shows the new CO alarm law is making a difference.
The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation commissioned a Home Owners’ CO Awareness Poll to see how Ontarians have been impacted by the law which became enforceable in April 2015.
The Ipsos Poll found fifty-six percent of homeowners acknowledged being moved into action by either researching for more information, purchasing carbon monoxide alarms, paying more attention to possible risks or recommended others to take action.
The legislation was prompted by the heartbreaking deaths of OPP Constable Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard and their children Cassie, 14, and Jordan, 12, who all died from CO poisoning in Woodstock in December 2008.
The vent leading from their gas fireplace was clogged, causing the deadly gas to seep back into their home.
They didn’t know they were in danger because carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
“The poll findings show the message is starting to get out, but there’s still a lot more work to be done. Our goal is to see every household in the province, that’s at risk of CO, protected, and eventually, to see uniform standards for all homes across Canada,” says John Gignac, Executive Director, Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education.
Gignac is a retired firefighter and Laurie Hawkins' Uncle.
After the unspeakable loss, Gignac has been campaigning to warn all Ontarians about the dangers of CO.
Barrie Fire's Public Fire and Life Safety officer Samantha Hoffmann knows Gignac and credits his tireless campaign with saving lives, citing a recent CO call in Barrie where a family had a working alarm.
"If John didn't advocate the way he did we could've lost a family in Barrie," said Hoffmann.
Gignac also says a major focus is educating homeowners that CO alarms need to be replaced.
People can protect themselves by remembering Laurie and her family, he says.
“Eight years ago, when my niece and her family were taken from us because of CO poisoning, they did not have a CO alarm, I did not have a CO alarm, the majority of Ontarians did not have CO alarms,” Gignac said.
“We can’t forget the terrible Woodstock tragedy and how it inspired Ontario’s new Law and the positives we have been able to achieve from such a negative situation.”
Hoffmann says she thinks of Laurie every time she hears a CO call.
The veteran firefighter applauds the legislation and agrees with Gignac that homeowners need to take responsibility for their own safety by replacing outdated alarms.
"We know that homeowners aren't replacing them and we saw that with our 'Don't Wait, Check the Date' campaign during fire prevention week," she said. "People do not know that hard-wired alarms, specifically, expire. They only have a seven to ten year lifespan."
Hoffmann says the law is the minimum code.
