‘They save lives. It’s proven’: CO detectors in demand as residents rush to meet new law

Locals flocked to stores in search of carbon monoxide detectors now that new rules are in effect. CTV London’s Sean Irvine stopped by some businesses.

The rush is on to comply with new provincial regulations requiring carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of homes in Ontario with a gas appliance.

The mandate came into effect with the arrival of the new year on Jan. 1.

On Monday morning, Dutton, Ont. resident Chris Dietrich was shopping for new carbon monoxide detectors.

The Dutton resident awoke to a chirping noise on Monday morning, alerting him that it was time to replace his existing unit.

Once he discovered the new mandate, he opted to exceed the requirements for his family and to prevent any chance of a tragedy.

“There are six of us living in the house, so it would definitely be a disaster,” he said.

Regardless of where you call home, carbon monoxide detectors must be on every level with a gas-based appliance. That includes a gas stove, a fireplace, or even your garage, said Kim Destun, the chief fire prevention officer in St. Thomas, Ont.

For a transition period, Destun said fire departments plan to educate the public. However, in time, she said fines could be laid against homeowners and landlords who don’t comply.

“If your landlord won’t (comply), you can certainly give us a call. That is part of our job to make sure landlords comply and keep their residents safe,” Destun said.

The chief of the Chatham-Kent, Ont. Fire Dept. told CTV News that 50 people on average die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Canada. That doesn’t include close calls.

“We’ve certainly had calls where our entire families have gone to the hospital sick, and they had no idea,” recalled Destun.

As carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, officials contend that detectors are the only way to protect yourself.

The new law has retailers working to meet demand. At Geerlinks Home Hardware in St. Thomas, prices range from $35 to $90. Some are already out of stock. However, store manager Mark Cummings said more were on the way.

“We do have lots of other ones still in stock. And those that are sold out, we’ve increased our orders accordingly,” he said.

That’s good news for those seeking to protect their loved ones said Dietrich.

“They’re not cheap, but they save lives. It’s proven.”

A fact Heny Lange of St. Thomas did not want to ignore as he picked up three new units.

“We always have guests, and we have two bedrooms upstairs, and that’s where they stay. And I don’t want anything to happen to anybody,” said Lange.

Those are some programs to assist people with both the installation and cost of CO detectors.

In St. Thomas, residents are encouraged to contact the fire department.