Lewis Maclean - October 2019

For theWhole Family! Scary Movies

As more people begin using gas heating systems during the fall and winter months, we want to turn our attention to an important topic we cover every year: carbon monoxide. According to the Canada Safety Council, deaths related to carbon monoxide, or CO, climb in October before reaching their peak in December. Most CO-related fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation but come from a number of other sources as well, including malfunctioning gas appliances. CO can leak into living spaces without smoke being present. When CO leaks into the home, it’s often due to an improperly utilised or maintained appliance, such as a fireplace, furnace, water heater, or generator. Essentially, if an appliance combusts fuel — wood, pellets, natural gas, propane, etc. — it produces CO. This exhaust gas is usually vented out of the home through a chimney or exhaust duct. In rare cases, CO is not properly vented. It may be due to a blockage, malfunction, lack of maintenance, or user error. Then, when CO does get into the home, it’s not always apparent. CO is completely odourless, tasteless, and colourless. Many homeowners are not aware there is a problem until they begin to experience the symptoms of CO poisoning. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, disorientation, and shortness of breath. The longer a person is exposed to CO, the worse the symptoms will get. After some time or high concentration exposure, CO poisoning will result in loss of consciousness, brain damage, and, eventually, death. AN IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT THE DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE It’s That Time of Year

With the spookiest day of the year fast

approaching, there’s nothing like a scary movie night to get the whole family into the Halloween spirit. The only

problem is most frightful films really aren’t for kids, and the ones that are often fall flat. But, if you’re looking for a flick that will have the whole

family on the edge of their seats (without traumatizing anyone), consider our top three picks for scary, family- friendly movies. No. 3: ‘Ghostbusters’ “Who you gonna call” to be high on this list? The 1984 spectral classic, “Ghostbusters.” While this may be more of an action-

comedy, plenty of scares and creepy imagery still get a jump out of first-time watchers young and old alike. If you’re looking for a lighthearted movie night that still captures a Halloween feel, “Ghostbusters” is a great choice. No. 2: ‘Coraline’ Few authors weave creepiness with coming-of-age stories together better than Neil Gaiman, and his 2009 film “Coraline” proves just that. Based on Gaiman’s book of the same name, director Henry Selick uses his signature stop-motion animation style to bring the script to life. While young children may find the doll-like imagery too unsettling, this is a great introductory thriller for preteens. No. 1: ‘Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island’

Yes, a Scooby-Doo movie is at the top of this list — and it deserves to be. As the feature-length debut of Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the Mystery Gang,

The single best way to protect yourself and your family from CO exposure is to install a CO detector if you do not already have

this 1998 film doesn’t pull any punches. While the hand-drawn animation and slapstick high jinks

one (or several, as is recommended). CO poisoning is preventable. Routine inspections can

of the original Hanna-Barbera cartoon are all there, make no mistake: There are some creepy moments in this movie. Between scary zombie elements and a spooky Voodoo doll scene, this is the perfect film to get your kids into the Halloween spirit.

help detect potential problems with your

heating system to ensure you have nothing to worry

about. If you haven’t already, call us at 604-532-9625 to book your fall heating system inspection.

2 • www.lewismaclean.com

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