The family of a 12-year-old Niagara boy killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in Alberta, are now petitioning to make CO alarms mandatory in every home across the country.

Trai Schlichter was known for his “indescribable spark”, but that spark was extinguished last week, when the 12-year-old was exposed to carbon monoxide from an improperly ventilated water heater.

In 2014 it became law in Ontario to install carbon monoxide alarms in all homes with a fuel-burning appliances, or an attached garage. However that’s not the case for the entire country, including in Alberta, where the family’s condo building was not equipped with a CO alarm.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often hard to diagnose.

“Its the same type of symptoms as cold symptoms, so you’re tired, lethargic, sore throat.” Claudio Mostacci, Hamilton fire department.

The only way to detect levels of carbon monoxide in your home is through an alarm. Trai’s family have started a petition on Change.org which has already received over 17 000 signatures.

A candlelight service to honour Trai’s life will be held this Saturday in Niagara Falls at Firemen’s park.