Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services says that as carbon monoxide awareness week begins Nov. 1., it’s a good time to get all fuel-burning appliances inspected. A news release Thursday reminds residents to install CO alarms in their home if they have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. “With the law change that occurred on Jan. 1, you now must have a working CO alarm on each level of your home, if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage,” said Aaron Gravelle, a public education officer with fire services. “If the level of your home has a sleeping area, the alarm must be installed adjacent to that sleeping area.” Fuel-burning appliances can include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbeques, stoves and vehicles. “More than 65 per cent of injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide occur in the home,” said Sault Ste. Marie fire chief Naomi Thibault. “Stay safe. Get all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a licensed contractor annually.” With the time change this weekend, Gravelle said it’s a good time to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home and to check the dates on the back of alarms to ensure they are not expired.
