Last week’s tragedy near North Bay, Ontario is a sorrowful reminder of the lethal consequences of carbon monoxide gas.
Two local residents were unknowingly put in harm’s way when they became stranded in their truck. They left the engine running with windows partially open, unaware that the colourless, odorless and invisible gas was seeping up through the floorboards.
Our collective hearts go out to the families, their friends and loved ones. As you seek the answer to the question – WHY US? – it is a question I too, ask myself every day.
Nearly two years ago in Woodstock, Ontario carbon monoxide claimed the lives of our dear niece Laurie Hawkins who was born and raised in North Bay. Laurie's husband Richard and two children Cassandra and Jordon were also tragically taken by CO. A vent from their gas fireplace became blocked, forcing deadly CO back into their home. They did not have a CO alarm.
The news of this latest tragedy hits close to home for Laurie's parents and long time North Bay residents Ben and Donna Gignac.
Painfully, these lives can never be replaced. But we can honour their memory by making sure we do everything possible to keep our families safe going forward. Winter will soon be upon us. Please make sure YOUR family is CO-aware:
Install at least one working carbon monoxide alarm in your home outside sleeping areas
Replace CO detectors that are more than 5-7 years old
Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a licensed technician each year
Never leave a vehicle running in an attached garage or too close to your home
Ensure your household's external vents are kept clear of all obstructions
Stay CO safe!
John Gignac, Co-Chair
The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education
www.endthesilence.ca
