UXBRIDGE — The Uxbridge Fire Department is reminding residents to get all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually to prevent carbon monoxide leaks.
The first week of November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in Ontario. Known as the silent killer, the odourless, tasteless, gas is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances, and can be deadly when it builds up in a home.
“We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO,” said Uxbridge Fire Chief Phil Alexander.
“Get all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a registered contractor.”
He also notes that carbon monoxide alarms are also required in all homes that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. Fuel-burning appliances include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbecues, stoves and vehicles.
Working carbon monoxide alarms are required to be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of the home, and it is recommended that alarms be installed on every storey for added protection.
For residents of condos or apartment buildings carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in the buildings service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the service room. In buildings that have a garage, alarms are required adjacent to each sleeping area of homes above, below and beside the garage.
For more information or to find a registered contractor near you visit www.cosafety.ca.
Link to original article in durhamregion.com: Uxbridge fire chief urges residents to secure homes against ‘silent killer’