October 30, 2014
News Release
400 Horton Street East
London, Ontario
N6B 1L7
Phone: 519 661-4565
Fax:
519 661-8419
For Immediate Release
Ontario Declares First Annual “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week”
With carbon monoxide alarms now mandatory in most homes, the province and local fire
departments are ramping up their efforts to educate the public with an awareness event
starting November 1st. Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of accidental
poisoning deaths in North America and is often called “the silent killer”. It cannot be
identified by any of the body’s senses and its symptoms are often confused with those of
the flu.
Due to recent changes to the Ontario Fire Code, all homes containing a fuel burning
appliance, fireplace, or which have an attached garage, must be protected by a working
carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to each sleeping area. If it is a rental property, the
landlord must install and maintain the required number of alarms. Tenants are responsible
for notifying their landlord if they become aware that their alarm has become
disconnected, or is not operating correctly. Tenants are not allowed to disable CO alarms.
The London Fire Department strongly recommends that people check any existing alarms.
Experience of responding fire crews has shown that many false alarms are caused by
outdated devices, which have become contaminated over time. CO alarms can and do
wear out in anywhere from 5 to 10 years of service. Follow the alarm manufacturer’s
warranty or the instructions that came with the alarm. There are newer alarms powered
by lithium batteries that will last 10 years before replacement is required.
In addition to having working alarms, it is essential that heating and ventilation systems
be kept in good operating condition through proper maintenance.
Day or night, if your CO alarm does sound it is vital that everyone get out to fresh air
immediately and that the fire department is summoned using 911.
For further information:
Public Information Coordinator Rick Jefferson
Office: 519 661-2500 ext. 4622
Email: [email protected]