Windsor Fire and Rescue is concerned about the number of residents who don't have the required alarms to warn of carbon monoxide or fire.
The service has extended its carbon monoxide alarm blitz due to what it called a high number of non-compliant residences. Firefighters and fire prevention officers will be knocking on doors checking for CO detectors Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
If a resident does not have an alarm, the Windsor fire department will have a crew install one. The service was given 360 combination smoke alarms and CO detectors from Enbridge's Project Zero campaign, providing at-risk residents with a chance to get this required protection.
"We know that working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms can save lives," said Windsor Fire Chief Steve Laforet. "Project Zero has helped us provide alarms to those in our community that may not be able to obtain them on their own. Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is better able to deliver our important safety message and create a safer city."
When properly installed and maintained, these alarms are the first line of defence from carbon monoxide exposure or a house fire. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of standard fuels. It can kill.
Windsor Fire and Rescue said the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by adequately maintaining fuel-burning equipment, while alarms are a critical second line of defence to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
It is a criminal offence to tamper with or intentionally remove batteries from a smoke detector or CO alarm. Failure to comply may result in a $360 citation or fines up to $50,000 depending on the situation.For complete information about fire prevention and CO detectors, visit the Windsor Fire and Rescue Service's official website.
