Power outages: Authorities urge caution
Power outages: Authorities urge caution
Power outages in the Pontiac are still present and authorities are imploring Pontiac residents to be careful, especially after the deaths that have occurred elsewhere in Quebec. Pontiac MNA André Fortin insisted on the importance of watching those around you. “It’s sometimes asking how our neighbor is doing, what they may need,” said André Fortin.
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Outaouais, wanted to remind people to be careful about carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It is released when appliances and vehicles burn fuel such as wood, propane, fuel oil or gasoline. Breathing this gas can be very dangerous for your health and even lead to
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that you cannot see or smell. It is released when appliances and vehicles burn fuel such as wood, propane, oil or gasoline. Breathing this gas can be very dangerous to your health and even lead to death.
During a power outage :
- Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector on hand.
- If you use a generator, install it outside your home or garage, as far away from doors and windows as possible, at least 7 metres from your home.
- Avoid using indoor gas appliances designed for outdoor use, such as camping heaters, barbecues, or lamps.
Precautions if you must use a vehicle:
- Do not run the vehicle engine in a poorly ventilated area to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide.
- Be sure to remove any snow that may be clogging the exhaust pipe of your vehicle before starting the engine.
If you have symptoms of poisoning (e.g. headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) or the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the premises and go outside:
- Call 9-1-1
- Leave the door open when you leave the premises in order to ventilate the area completely.
- Wait for a firefighter’s authorization to return inside, even for a few minutes.
On this Easter day, for some Pontiac residents, it is a 5th day without electricity.
