Sarnia Fire and Rescue is reminding residents about the importance of CO alarms after an incident in Montreal sent 43 people to hospital.
A gas leak from a defective heating system at an elementary school Monday caused carbon monoxide readings as much as five times the level that usually triggers an evacuation.
Sarnia Fire Public Education Officer Mike Otis said CO alarms are currently only mandatory in residential homes.
"This is something we discuss up in our office a lot, and all of us agree that they should be in more places than required," said Otis. "They are required in your homes adjacent from your sleeping area, but there's no requirement for businesses and that. We go to businesses around the city all the time telling them that even though you don't have to have one, you really should have a CO alarm."
Fire Prevention Officer Roel Bus said carbon monoxide is called a silent killer.
"It feels like the flu without the fever -- you feel flushed and you feel warm. It is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air," said Bus.
The incident Monday in Montreal was triggered by a defective heating system.
Firefighters said they did not see a carbon monoxide detector inside the Montreal elementary school, however, the school board is disputing that.
https://twitter.com/SarniaFire/status/1085161354040958977
(From left to right) Fire Prevention Officer Roel Bus, Mike Harford, and Public Education Officer Mike Otis. December 4, 2018.
