A Perth County fire Chief is warning residents that a silent killer could be lurking around the house.
Perth East and West Perth Fire Chief Bill Hunter said a lot of people don't realize they have possible sources of carbon monoxide, a deadly odourless gas, in their homes.
"So that could be a wood stove, a natural gas appliance, a propane-powered appliance, or if you have an attached garage, that's used as a garage," he explained.
If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, you must have a carbon monoxide alarm outside of every sleeping area.
"The really scary thing about carbon monoxide is, you can't taste it, you can't smell it, and you can't see it. If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, you will...It's almost like you're getting the flu." he explained.
A faulty water heater was the source of CO in the award-winning video “The Wake Up Call” produced by the Perth East and West Perth Fire Departments and filmed in Mitchell. The video and PSA have since had over 21,000 views on YouTube.
Residents are encouraged to contact the fire department if they are unsure if they need one or more carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their home, to check that any CO alarms present have not expired, and to test the devices monthly.
The Perth East and West Perth Fire Departments are taking the next logical step, by placing CO Alarms in all municipal administrative office areas that may be impacted by carbon monoxide.
“This proactive approach ensures a safe working environment for our coworkers, they are worth it,” offered Fire Prevention Officer James Marshall “I would encourage anyone working within an office area serviced with fuel-burning appliances to make a carbon monoxide alarm another level of your office health and safety.” Marshall continued.
The first week of November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.
