Manitoba Hydro is offering a $10 rebate on the purchase of approved carbon monoxide alarms from participating retailers in Steinbach and the surrounding areas.
The rebate will be offered until November 30 and applied immediately at time of purchase. The beginning of the rebate program coincides with National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which is aimed at telling homeowners and businesses about what they can do to keep loved ones and employees safe from carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
“The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority,” said Janet Rak, Manitoba Hydro’s public safety and education coordinator. “You can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide. It’s why we call it the silent killer. If you have a carbon monoxide alarm, a ‘beep’ can mean the difference between life and death.”
Rak said for easy installation, only plug-in CO alarms with battery backup and an approved safety certification (CSA 6.19 or UL 2034) qualify for the rebate.
Robert Pike, Deputy Fire Commissioner from Manitoba’s Office of the Fire Commissioner, said those who already have CO alarms should check to see if they should be replaced.
“Carbon monoxide alarms are good for up to 10 years,” Pike said. “Most units have a tag or date stamp on the back to indicate its age or expiration date. If it’s expired, purchase a new one so that you can be confident you and your family are safe.” Pike noted that it’s important to have a working CO alarm on every level of your home – especially near bedrooms.
Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service Assistant Chief Mark Reshaur said emergency personnel respond to numerous calls each winter involving carbon monoxide with some resulting in illness and even death.
“Citizens need to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, especially now with temperatures dropping,” Reshaur said. “Every home should be protected with a carbon monoxide alarm. We urge all citizens that if you ever suspect carbon monoxide in your home, exit immediately and call 911.”
“While CO alarms can alert you to hazards of potential poisoning, they alone don’t prevent them,” said Rak. “Appropriate use and maintenance of your natural gas furnace and other fuel-burning appliances is equally important.”.
Participating retailers in Manitoba Hydro’s rebate program are: Canadian Tire (15 locations); Costco (three locations); EG Penner Building Centres Ltd. (Steinbach); Grunthal Lumber; Home Depot (six locations); Home Hardware (45 locations); London Drugs (1225 St. Mary Rd.); McMunn & Yates (15 locations); Rona (12 locations); and WM Dyck & Sons (Niverville).
