Whitby Fire and Emergency Services and Enbridge Gas are joining forces to help reduce fire and carbon monoxide (CO) fatalities through the Safe Community Project Zero initiative.
This project, in collaboration with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC), aims to distribute more than 14,500 combination smoke and CO alarms to residents across 75 Ontario communities, including Durham.
This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 16 years, the program has provided more than 101,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
Whitby Fire and Emergency Services received 402 alarms for local homes, Pickering Fire Services received 312 combination smoke and carbon monoxide, and Ajax Fire received 372 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas, that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
“The best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide is to properly maintain fuel-burning equipment,” said Stephen McCormack, Operations Supervisor, GTA East, Enbridge Gas. “These alarms are a critical second line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning, known as ‘the silent killer.’ We are proud to support our communities, raise awareness, and help Ontarians implement these protection strategies.”
Preven Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Various Durham Fire Services educated the public on safety and prevention measures during the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week that ran from November 1st – 7th.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as the ‘silent killer,’ as it is an invisible, tasteless, and odourless gas that can poison and kill. CO is produced when fuels (propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil, wood), do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, gas/wood fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbeques, portable fuel-burning heaters, generators, and vehicles.
“Most carbon monoxide-related injuries and fatalities occur in our homes,” said Fire Chief, Steve Boyd. “We must remain vigilant against this silent threat and prioritize safety by ensuring our appliances are thoroughly inspected and our alarms are in optimal condition. Taking these preventative measures can save lives and protect our loved ones from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Prevent CO in the home:
- Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, and vents are cleaned and inspected annually.
- Install a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area in the home. For added protection, install one on every storey.
- Ensure outside appliance vents are not blocked by snow, foliage, or other debris.
- Only use gas and charcoal barbeques outdoors (away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings).
- Portable fuel-burning generators should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
- Ensure portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat the home.
- Open the chimney flue before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
- Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.
Know the symptoms of CO:
- Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and even death.
- If the CO alarm sounds and someone experiences symptoms of CO poisoning, evacuate immediately and call 911.
- If the CO alarm sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing before calling 911.
Know the sound of a CO alarm:
- A CO alarm sounds different than a smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in the home knows the difference between the two sounds.
Visit Ontario.ca/firemarshal or COSafety.ca for more information.