During BC’s first-ever Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Powell River Fire Rescue urges residents to prevent buildup of the potentially deadly gas in their homes and workplaces.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can cause serious harm or death. According to the BC Coroners Service, there were 119 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in the province between 2008 and 2017.
In order to encourage awareness and prevention, the province has proclaimed November 1 to 7, 2019, as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
“Carbon monoxide poisonings and deaths are preventable,” said Tricia Greenwood, coordinator/public educator with Powell River Fire Rescue. “Powell River Fire Rescue urges our community to take steps to protect themselves in their homes by installing a CO alarm on every floor of your home near sleeping areas and having fuel-burning appliances serviced and maintained annually.”
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices. This is why it is critical to ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are properly maintained, vented as appropriate and cleaned and inspected annually.
“We must all take this opportunity to learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, how to prevent it and how to keep ourselves, our families and our friends safe,” said Jennifer Rice, provincial parliamentary secretary for emergency preparedness. “It’s important to install carbon monoxide alarms that signal when the gas is present and have all fuel-burning appliances in a home or workplace inspected by a licensed contractor every year.”
During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, fire departments, educators, government and industry are working together to teach people about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, the symptoms and sources, and how to avoid becoming ill.
In the event that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, people must leave their home or workplace immediately and call 911.
