A working carbon monoxide alarm averted a potential tragedy in the city early Friday morning.
At around 2:20 a.m., Sarnia fire crews responded to a multi-residential home on London Road between Russell and Cecil streets.
Sarnia Fire Public Education Officer Mike Otis said high levels of CO were detected in the home.
"Sarnia fire crews had to wake one resident who did not respond to the carbon monoxide alarm sounding. Union Gas was asked to attend the scene and the source of the carbon monoxide leak was found to be a problem with the furnace, which was tagged 'out of service,'" said Otis. "Sarnia Fire Rescue wants to remind everyone that any time your carbon monoxide or smoke alarm is sounding to quickly and safely get outside and call 911 and never delay in calling 9111. This is yet another example of working alarms saving lives."
Four people got out of the home unharmed.
Otis said it's the law to have a CO alarm on each level of the home where there's a bedroom.
Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America and 500 people a year die from it.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue firetruck. October 31, 2018. (BlackburnNews file photo)