Vaughan homeowners to receive 150 carbon monoxide detectors
Insurance Bureau of Canada donates alarms; over last 15 years, 250 Ontarians have died from carbon monoxide poisoning

Yorkregion.com
Tim Kelly
Nov. 28, 2017

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has contributed 150 carbon monoxide detectors to Vaughan homes in an effort to help save lives.

The detectors are currently available with Vaughan Fire Service and Rescue and will be distributed through Alarms for Life and After the Heat, fire safety programs offered by Vaughan Fire.

Joined by Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service Chief Larry Bentley, IBC vice-president Kim Donaldson presented the alarms at an event last week.

“Despite the serious threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, many Canadians do not have carbon monoxide alarms in their home,” observed Donaldson. Over the last 15 years, 250 people across the province have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

IBC has so far donated 1,000 alarms to fire departments across the province and is going to donate another 1,500 over the next year.

In Ontario, the law maintains that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in all residences that have at least one fuel-burning appliance (for instance, a gas water heater or gas furnace), fireplace or an attached garage.

“By installing carbon monoxide detectors in the home, on every level and adjacent to sleeping areas, residents can help prevent needless tragedies,” said Bentley.

“We want to make sure everyone is safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide and with the generous donation from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, we are able to keep the citizens of Vaughan safe.”