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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD-3-96THE CORPOBATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE File # ~~~~~~~onn."~4~~~--0 qq Res. #l~L~. Date: JANUARY 22, 1996 By-Law # Report #: File #: FD-3-96 10.12.6 Subject: CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Fire Department Report FD-3-96 be received; and 2. THAT pre-budget approval be given to the fire department to withdraw $3,500.00 from the Fire Department Equipment Reserve Account No. 2900- 00014-0000 to purchase four additional gas detectors, forthwith. 1. BACKGROUND: 1.1 Public awareness of the threat posed by carbon monoxide and the recent development of carbon monoxide detectors for use in private homes has, for many departments, resulted in a significant increase in public assist calls. While many of these calls may on the surface appear to be of little consequence or even nuisance, they have the potential to create a serious problem for emergency responders and should be handled with due caution .First Alert recommends that every household install at least one carbon monoxide detector. At the present time the fire department is responding to an average of oneto two calls. per week for carbon monoxide detector activations. 2. COMMENT: 2.1 The department only has one gas. detection monitor that is capable of measuring the .level of carbon monoxide in the air. This gas detector is carried on Pumper 1, which is located at4he Headquarters Station. Continued.... o.o<<a~~a.~.~~,E ' 8 0 4 FD-3~6 -2- 2.2 With carbon monoxide being invisible, odourless, and colourless, the only proper way of safely helping a home owner is by using a gas detection monitor and taking an air sample. Based on the results of our findings, we will advise the home owner what precautionary measures should be taken. 2.3 Attached you will find attachment " A" which is a Carbon Monoxide Information Sheet put out by First Alert. You will notice that the information advises people to evacuate the home and call the fire department for help. In several cases the. detector goes into alarm even though conditions inside the home are not truly hazardous. On the other hand we have responded to calls where the level of carbon monoxide was extremely high. 2.4 At the present time Pumper 1 is the only truck with a gas detector and has to travel throughout the entire municipality obtaining readings. With the amount of calls surely to increase as carbon monoxide detectors become more popular, I believe it would be better for the safety of all citizens of this municipality, if every pumper was to carry its own gas detector and not rely on Pumper 1 as it could be tied up at another call. The cost of a single alarm gas detector that will detect carbon monoxide is approximately $700.00. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that pre-budget approval be given to the .department to withdraw $3,500.00 from the Fire Department Equipment Reserve Account No.2900-00014-0000 to purchase four additional gas detectors forthwith. Respectfully submitted, Michael G. Cr hton, AMCT(A), CMM1 Fire Chief. Reviewed by !~d~~~'`s~i W. H. Stockwell, Chief Administrative Officer BH/sr Attachment (1) 8~~ ATTACHMENT N0. t Carbon Monoxide information sheet Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas that can be released by common household appliances. It kills dozens of Canadians each year, and injures many more. Many of those killed or injured are asleep at the time of exposure. Carbon monoxide does not wake you; it puts you into a deeper sleep and prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and ultimately death. The long, cold Canadian winters increase the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning because heating appliances aze a major source of the deadly gas. Carbon monoxide is known as "the great imitator" because low levels of poisoning mimic flu or food poisoning symptoms, ranging from headaches and nausea to dizziness and fatigue. Misdiagnosis can send a person unwittingly back to a hazardous environment. Any appliance or heating device in the home that runs on a combustible fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal generates carbon monoxide. The deadly gases can leak into the home because of incomplete combustion when afuel-burning device is poorly maintained, improperly vented or simply breaks down. Other potential sources include clogged or blocked chimney openings, inadequate venting of appliances, malfunctioning propane refrigerators, and operating a barbecue in an enclosed azea. Many of the accidental deaths caused by carbon monoxide are the result of such accidents in the home. Modern, energy efficient homes which trap heat can also add to the threat of poisoning by trapping carbon monoxide as well. '806 ATTACHMENT N0. 1 You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, so there is no way to prevent injuries or death without a reliable detection device. The First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector is a new device that looks very much like a smoke alarm. When carbon monoxide is detected in the air, the alarm sounds an 85-decibel warning, at which time people should evacuate the house and call the fire department for help. It is recommended that each residence be equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector, located near the sleeping area. Clues to the presence of carbon monoxide in the home: • persistently stuffy, stale, or smelly air that never cleazs • very high humidity, often showing up as moisture on the windows • • soot around the outside of the fireplace, furnace, or chimney • no draft in the chimney • • a hot draft from the chimney into the home • • the smell of exhaust fumes • Health-related Clues • persistent severe headaches • • dizziness, blurred vision • nausea and vomiting • confusion, disorientation, loss of muscle control • sleepiness, but never feeling rested • rapid heazt beat, pulse, or a tightening of the chest • • chest pain (angina) when exercising • fainting, unconsciousness • feeling sick and tired at home, but fine once you leave the house • '807 '