A local fire station is raising awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning prevention.
In partnership with the Bonnyville Firefighter Association, the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) Station 5 will be going door-to-door Oct. 2 and 16 to hand out carbon monoxide detectors.
“We’re going to go out and hit some properties on the west side of town...We’re looking at talking to people, dropping off a free carbon monoxide detector, and explaining what carbon monoxide is, what’s the importance of knowing what it can do to you, and, if it happens, knowing the emergency procedures,” explained Bonnyville Fire Station 5 fire chief Darryl Shyian.
Carbon monoxide is a odourless and colourless gas.
When exposed to it, people can experience headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, vision and hearing impairment, and shortage of breath during physical activity. If someone inhales the gas in extreme concentration, it can lead to brain damage or death.
The local fire department’s CO campaign is meant to inform residents on the dangers of carbon monoxide, while giving them a chance to ask questions and learn more.
“It’s basically for us to get out in the community and promote the awareness of carbon monoxide as we get into the home heating season,” Shyian said.
Ensuring furnaces and fireplaces are properly cleaned is one preventative measure homeowners can take, while having a working detector is also important.
“It’s referred to as the ‘silent killer.’ You may not even know it’s there, and it could lead to death,” stressed Shyian.
Other ways of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning include avoiding the use of a gas range space heater inside, never using charcoal, propane, or natural gas barbecues indoors, and never running a vehicle, snowblower, or lawn mower in a closed garage or confined space.
“If you aren’t feeling good, it’s good to get out, contact the gas company, and call 9-1-1,” Shyian stressed.
The idea for the campaign was created while deciding on what to do for Fire Prevention Week in October.
“We do respond to a lot of alarms throughout the year, and we just thought that we would tackle this one,” he explained.
If you suspect carbon monoxide, or the detector’s alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately, and call 911 and AltaGas utilities’ emergency line 1-866-222-2068.
