This week marks the annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week across Ontario.
To mark the occasion, a local retailer has once again donated CO alarms for free distribution by the Parry Sound Fire Department and neighbouring Fire Departments.
“Last year, the Ontario based charity ‘Nolan’s Story’ partnered with Parry Sound Home Hardware to donate 100 Carbon Monoxide alarms to us and our 6 other local Fire Departments, and those have all been given to needy families in our community. With our supply now exhausted, Home Hardware and ‘Nolan’s Story’ have just donated another 100 CO alarms. We’re obviously delighted at this show of support from the community,” said fire chief Dave Thompson.
Ian McNaughton, owner of the Parry Sound Home Hardware store and a volunteer firefighter himself said that he’s happy to provide this community donation. “There are many families with differing needs in our community, but no one should lack basic safety in their homes where they should be safest,” he said. “Nolan’s Story is one that good can come from tragedy, and this is what we want to highlight most of all. A young man, lost far too early has his memory living on in a program designed to protect others from the same fate, it’s a wonderful tribute to Nolan Young and we are grateful to be able to continue to support this initiative”.
“Nolan was just 12 years old when he died accidentally from carbon monoxide poisoning and it’s our responsibility to spread the word about his death so that we might prevent another child from suffering the same fate,” said Anna Frigault, Nolan’s grandmother. “We fundraise annually for the project, and are happy the funds raised are being put to good use.”
Carbon Monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that is produced when any fossil fuel burns. In a confined area like a home, the gas can build up to toxic levels in a very short period of time if an appliance such as a stove, fireplace or hot water heater is not operating properly. Even portable devices like a propane-fueled cooler or camp stove can produce the deadly gas. CO alarms are now required in every home in Ontario, and in new homes are installed as part of the construction process. Older homes may not be equipped with these lifesaving alarms. If you know someone who needs an alarm but can’t afford to buy one, please call the fire department at 705-746-2622.
