Enbridge Gas donates CO alarms to rural communities in the Sudbury area

Importance of smoke and CO alarms Public Education Officer, Leigh Gruener explains the importance of smoke and CO alarms

Enbridge Gas is teaming up with Greater Sudbury Fire Services to help reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths in the Greater Sudbury area.

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because you cannot see it, taste it, or smell it, so early detection is key.

“The people that receive them are the ones that either have a smoke alarm or CO alarm that is past expiration date,” said Phil Doiron, chief fire prevention officer with Greater Sudbury Fire Services.

“So every 10 years they are required to be changed.”

In total, 420 alarms donated by Enbridge Gas will be distributed in rural communities in the Greater Sudbury area.

“We chose our rural communities because sometimes the response time from fire may be a little bit longer and therefore with the importance of early detection and getting out of the building safely before the fire department even responded to it is essential,” said deputy chief Nathan Melin.

The gas company also encourages people to take other prevention steps when it comes to fuel-burning equipment in homes.

“If you have fuel-burning appliances in your house, work with your local HVACs to have those inspected and maintained because that is how you can prevent carbon monoxide from ever becoming an issue,” said Brad Taylor, supervisor of operations in Sudbury and area for Enbridge Gas.

Fire officials said with heating season here, it’s especially important to ensure fuel-burning equipment is working properly. They add having working CO and smoke alarms will give you an early warning if it’s not.