Every winter, Canadians must be vigilant against the increased risks of fire or carbon monoxide in the home. Rising fuel costs, extreme weather conditions and potential power failures may lead us to misuse one or more heat sources. This heightens the chances we may cause a house fire or the release of poisonous carbon monoxide.
Smoke and CO detectors save lives
“Every fire department sees it.” says Mike Otis, the fire life safety officer for the Fire Rescue Services of Sarnia, Ontario. “Unfortunately, the majority of people who pass away in fires, it’s because they don’t have working smoke alarms. There are still over 500 CO fatalities every year in North America, which are all preventable if you have a working alarm. It will go off long before the CO levels are at a lethal level.”1
Don’t let the cold replace your common sense
Please follow all safety instructions included in the manuals of your home’s heat sources and heating appliances. Confronted by rising heat bills or, even the possibility of freezing in a blackout, too many of us take risks. This could be something as simple as adding an unsafe extension cord to move a space heater closer to your chair or bed. Or perhaps you had the foresight to buy a fuel-powered generator before a winter power failure. But, without enough ventilation, the generator could introduce deadly carbon monoxide into your home.
As the cold weather arrives, be sure to:
- Establish boundaries so infants and pets can’t get too close to heat sources.
- Show your family how to safely operate all heating systems and appliances.
- Install smoke and CO alarms and teach every member of your household how they work.
- Check in on older friends and relatives:
- See how they plan to heat this winter and be sure their smoke and CO detectors are working.
- If alarms are missing, why not offer them safety and security as a holiday gift and have Smoke and CO detectors installed for them?
Carbon monoxide: the silent killer
Fire Prevention Week was officially proclaimed in Canada in 1923.2 For decades, municipal fire departments across the country have taken this opportunity to visit homes and schools to teach fire safety and encourage smoke detector installation and maintenance.
Only in more recent years has it been emphasized that carbon monoxide detectors are essential for home security as well. A number of Canadian provinces and communities now host Carbon Monoxide Awareness events to alert citizens as to how they can avoid a life-threatening experience. Across Canada, smoke and CO detectors are now mandatory for residential housing in every province.3
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as “the silent killer” because you can't smell it, see it or taste it. CO is an odourless and colourless gas, yet it can harm or kill you. Although carbon monoxide accidents can occur in the workplace, a recent study in Ontario shows that “approximately 65% of all CO deaths and injuries occur in homes.”4
The same study found that the average Ontario home has 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO.5 They include fireplaces, dryers, stoves, furnaces, water heaters, barbecues and portable generators. Such appliances are often used more frequently over the winter months, a time when our homes are not as well-ventilated.
Although regulations may differ from one province or municipality to another, a basic prevention program involves installing CO alarms outside all sleeping areas of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. It is also recommended that CO alarms be installed on every floor.
Monitored smoke and CO detectors from GardaWorld Security Systems
For your family’s security and safety, consider monitored smoke and CO detectors from GardaWorld Security Systems.
The GardaWorld Smoke Detector
This advanced detector identifies smoke with a 360-degree detection pattern and a transmission range of 300 ft (92 meters). Using photoelectric technology to detect a fire in its earliest stages, it immediately triggers an alarm, alerting the GardaWorld monitoring system and giving occupants more time to safely escape. This monitored smoke detector is always active and operates 24/7. It uses two long-lasting lithium batteries, which are also monitored by the security system to ensure the detector is always fully charged and operational. Easy installation and programming is fully-supervised by the GardaWorld monitoring centre.
The GardaWorld Carbon Monoxide Detector
Connected to your control panel, this device detects the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In the event of a CO leak in your home, your alarm will sound and the system will notify the GardaWorld monitoring center, which will alert emergency services.
To learn more about protecting your loved ones from fire and carbon monoxide this winter, contact GardaWorld Security Systems at: 1 833 GARDA 33 (1 833 427 3233).
Sources:
- Smoke and CO Detectors Save Lives
- 100th Year Observance of Fire Prevention Week
- Carbon Monoxide Detector and Smoke Detector Canadian Legislation Chart, 2019 Note: In 2019, PEI did not mandate CO detectors, but it does now
- Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer