By Hayley Ferguson

Fire department reminds residents importance of carbon monoxide alarms

Jul 11, 2019 | 5:28 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Carbon Monoxide poising has been a major topic this week after 46 people were treated at hospital after a leak at a motel in Winnipeg.

Although all survived, many are hopeful it will be a warning for people since carbon monoxide detectors still aren’t legally required in all hotels and public spaces across the country.

Under the current Alberta building codes, carbon monoxide detectors are required in all places that people may sleep like a hotel or residence if they contain a fuel burning appliance or have an attached garage.

The code requires the detectors to be in or within 5 metres of each bedroom.

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Although homes built within 10 years are all required to have them in the province, older homes are not.

Fire prevention officer, Carter Gramlich, hopes that people will still buy them as carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless

“It might just be a headache or tiredness. It’s nothing that you really attribute to poisoning. You may just think your not feeling well.” Gramlich continued. “So having a carbon monoxide alarm is super important. You can buy carbon monoxide alarms that are duel with your smoke alarm. So you have one device, you push the test button to test everything and it lets you know it’s working.”

Gramlich recommends you test your smoke and carbon monoxide monthly.