This is the wrap-up to Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
The Dryden Fire Service is reminding residents to install or check their CO alarms in their home and to get their fuel-burning appliances inspected annually.
Chief Ryan Murrell says more than 65% of injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide in Ontario occur in the home.
Murrell says a working alarm should be installed outside all sleeping areas of your home.
He stresses CO poisoning is a silent killer and is invisible, tasteless and odourless.
Murrell notes Dryden firefighters responded to three carbon monoxide-related calls in this past week, one incident with CO actually in the home, with those inside forced to evacuate.
Another call was in the middle of the night, where a new alarm battery was needed and the third dealt with a faulty alarm.
Murrell says those living in rental properties need to be aware that it’s the responsibility of the landlord to install and maintain the required number of CO alarms and tenants must notify landlords if their alarm isn’t working.
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and even death.
