The family was using a barbeque indoors on the second floor of the home to prevent freezing, and according to local reports, this isn't the first case of carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottowa since drastic storms have ravaged the area.
According to reporting by CBC, Wednesday's freezing rain left tens of thousands of people without power in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, with approximately 900 Hydro Ottawa customers still in the dark Saturday evening.
Fire crews have been carrying out wellness checks since the storm, and have found several residents using generators inside garages and homes.
Ottawa Fire Services has also seen calls related to carbon monoxide rise, DeFazio said, although he didn't have hard numbers.
He urged people to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
"If you think you [are sick] call 911 right away and go out to fresh air. We'll come to check," he said, adding that anyone using a generator or fuel-burning appliances to stay warm should make sure their carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.
While you hate to see people without power and heat, it's pretty much common knowledge to not use barbeques and generators inside of your home.
Wonder what's causing so many people to do something so reckless?
