A working carbon monoxide alarm is credited for saving the lives of five people in Sarnia.
Fire Safety Educator Mike Otis said Sarnia Fire Rescue Services were called to a residence on Cardiff Drive, shortly after midnight on Thursday, after a CO alarm startled those inside of the home. All five residents were instructed to go outside for fresh air.
"When we arrived, we found levels of 350 parts per million which is extremely dangerous. Luckily, the home had working carbon monoxide alarms which can be credited with saving all five people in the residence," said Otis.
The incident comes in the middle of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which runs from November 1 until November 7.
"The timing is pretty significant that it's Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and we've had yet another case where carbon monoxide alarms have been proven to save lives," said Otis.
It is the law in Ontario to have a working carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to all sleeping areas in any home with a fuel burning appliance, which includes gas appliances, fire places, and hot water heaters.
Otis said Sarnia Fire Rescue Services respond to over 200 CO calls per year.
In addition to this being Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, this weekend also marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. Otis had previously told Sarnia News Today that changing back the clocks serves as a good reminder to check for working smoke and CO alarms.
