22 - Wednesday, January 13. ic gas a pote THE safety and stan- dards department of the Ministry of Municipal Atfairs urges all British Columbians to use caution to pre- vent carbon monoxide poisoning in their cars and homes. Failing prey to carbon monoxide is casy because the toxic gas produced by burn- ing fuels is both calourless aad odorless. Vehicle engines, as well as the burning of oil, coal, wood, propane and nat- ural gas, can produce carbon monoxide, which +. be deadly in a closed ores uth- out ventilation. Carbon monoxide kills by interfering with the blood’s ability to absorb and transport oxygen. Most victims dic i an idling car or during their sleep in a poorly ventilated house with a gas or woodstuve burning. It is 1999 — North Shore News imperative to become aware of the indications of carkon monoxide present within the home: @ flu-like semptoms sech as dizainess, tangue, headache, vomiting or nausea: B dying house plants; §& condensation on the inside of the windows; Bo discoloration or soot buildup on heating appli- ances, the fireplace or at the warm air outlets of the heat- ing system; and loose, disconnected, rusted or water-streaked vents on the chimney. The casiest and quickest solution if vou suspect carbon monoxide presence is to open the windows immediately to allow fresh air inside. all heating appliances. Seek medical advice for physical symptoms, and have a licensed gas contractor inspect your home and gas appliances. Carbon monoxide poison- ing is a real threat in today’s Turn off energy etficient houses, Most modern houses are se ughily sealed that carbon monoxide canner escape as casily as it canine dratty: older houses. Carbon monoxide detectors can help. but bedroom win dows should be lett slightiv open ior ventilation, all year long. The following points could save vour lite: B never leave a vehicle run: ning in a garage; @ never use a barbecue or charcoal burner in the house OF garage, M@ never use a gas range for heating; B make sure the damper on a wood: burning fireplace — is open, and also partially open a window when fireplace is in operation. Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use; EB do not operate a furnace without the fan compartment doors and filter panel in place; W if you have partitioned off your furnace or water heater. vou may need additional ven- ulation. Contact 4 qualitied was or ventilanon contractor, @ the exhaust duct of a gas fired clothes dryer must: be vented outside. Check it regit- larly to make sure that it is not Blocked by lint or debris; @ check all outside ducts rev- ularly for blockage art. air- tlow problems, @ when undertaking substan- nal caulking, draft-prooting or insulation of your home, or when adding a kitchen or bathroom exhaust) fan or clothes dryer, contact a quali- fied gas or ventilation contrac: tor to tind out if additional air supply is needed; @havea licensed gas contrac: tor inspect and service all gas- tired appliances and check outside air ducts and vents regularly for blockage, discon- nection OF corrosion; B always read the appliance manufacturer’s operating and maintenance manuals. Tubular fun SNOW tube riders Jere Tarnowski (left to right), Adrian Glover and Mike Prasad slid into the New Year in style on a recent sunny Sunday at Cypress Bow! Ski Area. The mountain is a busy spot these days with skiers, snowboarders, cross-country skiers and snow sliders lining up for their turn on the slopes. Lighthouse Park ecology explored THE © Lighthouse Park Preservation Society is host: ing its first public tak on Sunday, Jan. 24. Dr. Keith Wade, an ccolo gist and biogeographer from Capilano College, will present an ilustrated lecture on. the ecology of Lighthouse Park. Scheduled from 2 tw 4 p.m., the talk will be present- ed in Ski witsuit House, a ren- ovated army hut down near the lighthouse. The public is encouraged to attend. For more informa- tion and) ro contirm atten: dance call David Foreman at 926-2707. Baby-sitting will be provided by the Girl Guides in the adjacent’ Phyvt Munday Nature House, Be Prepared! 410% off Hitches (for any class) Bike Racks & Ski Carriers HIDDE HITS . . Same Day Service (most hitches) : Fy Bike/Ski Racks & Carriers - Sold & Installed . 7 Sport utility, Van & Pick-up Speciaticts 1%, Hitch Ask us about ‘Demco" “sai Tow bars for RV'S! W & Rack ‘eramemouae, 983-9903 i Bring in this coupon - Offer Ends Jan 30/99 ——4 | 20% off Rust Check | FoR ALL YOUR PAINT & AUTOBODY NEEDS | GOMESTIC & IMPORT SPECIALISTS |” “QUALITY WORKMANSHIP” H PRIVATE INSURANCE & ICBC REPAIRS 27 YEARS iN BUSINESS RUST CHECK Cheroste- COM IOH wnes ee | 164 PEMBERTON AVE. 906-4244 ee ee ee oe et ee ee Unless you're one of the Bronfmans, you ll probably want to read this feature.