Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: KRG, GN

A fire destroyed Tarsakallak school in Aupaluk this past March. During Fire Prevention Week, officials in both Nunavik and Nunavut are encouraging people to use and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KSB)

Safety officials in Nunavut and Nunavik are encouraging communities to adopt good fire safety habits during Fire Prevention Week, which runs across Canada until Oct. 11.

In Nunavik, health officials are using the week to remind Nunavimmiut about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“This gas is one of the most dangerous as it is invisible, odourless and tasteless, and does not irritate the eyes or the respiratory system, but can have server consequences on your health,” said Dr. Serge Déry, director of public health at the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, in an Oct. 6 release.

Any kind of motor vehicle, heating system or equipment that burns fuel like gasoline, diesel, wood, propane or coal produces carbon monoxide.

But if that equipment is not well-maintained, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases, the health board said.

And there are plenty of every-day activities that can put people at risk, especially during the winter season.

“Many Nunavimmiut will work on their snowmobiles with the engine running, in closed spaces such a shacks,” said Aileen MacKinnon, chief of the Kativik Regional Police Force. “This is a prime example of a high-risk scenario for carbon monoxide poisoning. People need to be careful and work on their machines outside or in a close area that is properly ventilated.”

Nunavimmiut with cabins or shacks should also ensure that chimneys are not blocked.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness and vomiting. It can lead to losing consciousness and even death.

To prevent poisoning, Nunavik health officials suggest people ensure they have a working carbon monoxide detector installed in their home, cabin or place of work.

By the end of 2014, all Nunavik regional health board offices will be equipped with those detectors.

Kativik Municipal Housing Bureau units are already fitted with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. In the coming months, the agency will install improved models with a sealed lithium battery that has a life expectancy of 10 years.

Throughout Fire Prevention Week, fire chiefs in Nunavik’s communities will visit local schools, daycares and youth centres to delivery fire safety information and colour books, the KRG said.

In 2013, there were 74 fires reported in Nunavik, almost double the number in 2012.

And those fires accounted for material losses of more than $1.7 million, reported the Kativik Regional Government’s civil security department.

“Everyday household activities, such as cooking, can represent a fire hazard,” said the KRG’s civil security coordinator Craig Lingard. “Matches and lighters must be kept in a safe place, away from the curious hands of children. And blocked doors are dangerous because they prevent a quick exit from buildings in case of fire.”

In Nunavut, the territorial government says smoke alarms should be tested every month, to ensure they’re in good working condition.

A Government of Nunavut release also encourages families to discuss home fire escape plans and ensure all family members know how to reach emergency responders in the case of a fire.