It was a sad and tragic story that unfolded in Woodstock in December 2008 when North Bay natives Laurie, Richard, Cassandra and Jordan Hawkins were overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning that tragically took thier lives.
It was a sad and tragic story that unfolded in Woodstock in December 2008 when North Bay natives Laurie, Richard, Cassandra and Jordan Hawkins were overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning that tragically took thier lives.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas and is often referred to as the silent killer. The gas, a byproduct of incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, oil and gasoline, starves the body of oxygen and can poison the body quickly with high concentrations, or slowly over long periods of time. Symptoms that a person may be poisoned include headache and nausea. The gas builds up from improper ventilation, including blocked chimneys or furnace vents.
News of the Hawkins' tragedy spead quickly and North Bay City Council reacted quickly by introducing a bylaw that takes effect October 1st that will require each home in the city with fuel fired appliance or a attached garage to have a working carbon monoxide alarm.
When installing the alarms the pros like North Bay Fire Department Education and Prevention Officer Sherri Korn say there are areas that you need to avoid when installing the alarm systems like the garage, kitchen and attic areas.
.
