It is the law next year, but the insurance industry is looking to raise awareness now on the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
The
Insurance Bureau of Canada is helping to spread the word, recently donating 200 CO alarms to the Hamilton Fire Department.
“Almost every home in Ontario has something that poses a carbon monoxide threat. Having a CO alarm will help protect families and save lives” said Ralph Palumbo, vice president, Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada “We look forward to working with all stakeholders to continue to raise awareness of the dangers of CO.”
It’s now the law in Ontario to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in homes if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. The Ontario Fire Code was amended October 15 to require CO alarms after the provincial government passed Bill 77 – the Hawkins Gignac Act, in December 2013.
Bill 77 is named after OPP Constable Laurie Hawkins, who died, along with her husband and two children, in her Woodstock, Ont. home from CO poisoning in 2008.
“Carbon Monoxide alarms are an important safety feature for every home,” said paul Miller, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. “Thanks to the Insurance Bureau of Canada for their generous donation to make these life-saving devices available for the Hamilton families who need them.”
Single-family homeowners and owners of residential buildings that contain no more than six suites have until April 15, 2015 to comply with the law. Owners of residential buildings with more than six suites have until October 15, 2015 to comply.
“In Ontario, more than 80 per cent of injuries and deaths from CO occur in the home,” said Hamilton Fire Chief Rob Simonds “We want to make sure everyone is safe and I am extremely pleased in accepting this donation which supports our goal of installing CO alarms to protect vulnerable citizens in their homes.”
