Help Make CO Alarms Law

Every loss of life is tragic. The Hawkins family carbon monoxide tragedy put the "silent killer" - as CO is known - front and centre in the minds of families across North America. It also revitalized the discussion about legislating the installation of CO alarms in homes.

It is possible for individual towns and cities to pass municipal bylaws requiring citizens to install at least one CO alarm in their home. Many have done so. And following the Hawkins catastrophe, cities such as North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie officially declared that carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory.

But provinces too can choose to enact legislation. MPP Ernie Hardeman was so moved by the Hawkins story that immediately following the tragedy he drafted a private member's bill to make CO alarms mandatory all across Ontario. Currently they are required only in new homes.

Police and firefighters know that when a law is enacted, carbon monoxide poisonings significantly decline. MPP Dave Levac has joined MPP Hardeman in support of the legislation.

Do not wait for a CO law before you protect your family! Have your heating systems inspected to ensure no carbon monoxide is leaking back into your home from faulty equipment or venting. And install CO alarms in your home immediately - at least one outside bedrooms. It is a very small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing your family will get early warning in case of CO danger.