A higher call volume than usual this past week for the Okotoks Fire Department.

They responded to 31 calls including 15 medical responses, two motor vehicle collisions, one power line issue, a smoke investigation, and 12 alarm system activations.

Ken Thevenot, Okotoks fire chief, says it's not unusual to see more calls for carbon monoxide detectors during the cooler months.

"We've had a couple and this time of year typically you could get a few more calls," he explains. "It's important for people to ensure the filters are clean on their furnaces and they get them serviced and cleaned every couple of years."

Thevenot says any residents with questions about their detectors or electrical and heating safety are encouraged to contact the department for a free home inspection.

"You can give us a call, we'll set up a time to come by the house and have a look to see if there may be any issues given the furnace, the dryer, and just a reminder on not running a vehicle in an attached garage. There's also some injury prevention items that we may pick up on as well, it's good to have an extra set of eyes sometimes just to see if there's something that should be tweaked a little bit."

With fluctuating temperatures this past week the department is also reminding residents to exercise caution around local rivers and storm ponds due to freezing waters and unstable ice that may be beginning to form.

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