By Andrew de Souza

Carbon monoxide detectors simple lifesavers

Dec 30, 2010 | 5:33 AM

The recent Humboldt death from carbon monoxide poisoning is bringing the importance of CO detectors to the forefront.

Detection advocate and firefighter Jim Ginac, who tragically lost several family members to CO poisoning said the Humboldt incident, which also sent dozens to hospital, highlights the importance of the devices in homes and facilities.

“It’s evident that in these past incidents where people have been affected by carbon monoxide, a detector would have prevented it,” said Ginac.

“It’s a senseless death, carbon monoxide detectors would prevent it, and it’s such an easy solution I just don’t understand why we haven’t done it.”

Ginac, through his foundation, is trying to lobby governments across Canada to enact legislation making CO detectors mandatory in all homes.

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In Prince Albert, fire prevention officer, Dave Davies said residents should look to purchase a unit that plugs into an outlet and has a battery back-up for when the power goes out.

He said without a detector, there’s no way to know a home has a CO leak—until it’s too late and someone becomes sick or dies.

“CO, it’s an odourless, sightless gas. There’s no way of detecting it in a home before hand,” said Davies. “But if you really have a CO problem, you may not be awake to call us.”

“It’s not something you really want to fool around with. They’re not really expensive and anything that can save your life is worth purchasing.”

Davies said aside from a detector, regular maintenance of furnaces and chimneys can prevent leaks in the first place.

Carbon monoxide is produced through incomplete combustion, said Davies. It can come from things such as car exhausts, furnaces, stoves, heaters and fires.

He said homeowners with chimney should be especially aware of the risks in the cold weather. He said it’s important to check for ice and snow blockages, or collapses in chimneys.

The Prince Albert Fire Department provides pamphlets with information about CO poisoning and detection.

More information about Ginac’s foundation is available here.

Carbon monoxide detectors could become mandatory in the future

adesouza@panow.com