BRAMPTON, ON - Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) can be extremely dangerous to you and your family.

CO is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from this silent killer.

From November 1-7, 2018, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) personnel will visit locations across Brampton to spread the message that working CO alarms save lives as part of CO Awareness Week across Ontario.

Here is how you can best protect your household from CO:

• Install a working CO alarm adjacent to every sleeping area (i.e. in the hallway between the bedrooms). 
• Test CO alarms once a month by pushing the test button.
• Change the batteries in your CO alarm(s) at least once a year, or when the low battery warning sounds. 
• Purchase CO alarms with 10-year worry-free lithium batteries.
• Replace CO alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid cooking with barbecues or propane cookers inside the home or garage, using propane heaters inside the home or garage, and warming up a vehicle inside the garage, even if the garage door is open.

According to BFES, the best way to avoid CO exposure is to eliminate it at the source. Have a certified technician perform an inspection of all your fuel-burning appliances and venting systems annually,
have a qualified professional clean your chimney, and change your furnace filters regularly.

For more information about CO Awareness Week and events happening in Brampton, visit www.bramptonfire.com.

Quotes
“We all know the importance of working smoke alarms, and working CO alarms are just as crucial. As Bramptonians, we are responsible for understanding how we can protect ourselves and our families from this poisonous gas. Be sure to visit BFES personnel at locations across Brampton during CO Awareness Week to learn the best ways to protect your household from CO.”   
- Mayor Linda Jeffrey

“All Brampton residents need to know how to protect themselves and their families against CO. You can beat the silent killer by ensuring you have working CO alarms throughout your home.”
- Regional Councillor and Chair of Community and Public Services Michael Palleschi

“It’s true that more than 65% of injuries and deaths from CO in Ontario occur in homes, and only working CO alarms warn you of the presence of CO in order to keep your family safe. This year, we want to talk to as many residents as we can about how to protect themselves against CO poisoning. We want everyone to make safety a priority.”
- Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Chief Bill Boyes
 

-30-​

Brampton is thinking bigger. We are a future ready organization with a sharp focus. We know our community’s growth, youth and diversity set us apart. We sit at the centre of Canada’s innovation super corridor, encouraging investment and growing our global success. We are building vibrant urban centres that ignite opportunity and instill pride in the people who live and work here. We are moving Brampton forward to be a connected city that is innovative, inclusive and bold. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.