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It's a dangerous habit: Fire service Warming your car in the garage can have deadly consequences With the extreme cold weather over the past few days some area residents are starting their cars and warming them up in their garage, but a Halton Hills Fire Department spokesperson warns that can have deadly consequences. "Warming your car in the garage or just outside the garage with the door open is a very dangerous habit," said Chief Harry Olivieri of the Halton Hills Fire Protection and Prevention Services. He said the practice can have "potentially deadly results." Halton Hills fire crews have responded to a number of carbon monoxide detector activations over the past few days and in two of the incidents vehicles were running inside or just outside of the garage with the doors left open. "Because the garages are not completely sealed from the home carbon monoxide can leak into the home, slowly poisoning the occupants inside." He said the practice has to stop before someone gets seriously sick or possibly dies from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Blowing and drifting snow have also been found to be the cause of carbon monoxide injuries. The more modern, high efficiency furnaces, gas fireplaces and water heaters usually vent directly to an outside wall. These installations normally do not require a chimney and as a result can become plugged with drifting snow. "When the appliances cannot vent adequately, the unburned gases containing carbon monoxide re-enter the home exposing the occupants to the deadly gas," said Olivieri. Residents with appliances that are equipped with direct vents are urged to inspect them and ensure they are free and clear of any snow or ice build-up. People exposed to carbon monoxide will likely experience flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion and even loss of consciousness. Prolonged exposure to what is also known as the "silent killer" can eventually lead to death. Region begins work on Strategic Plan Halton Region is embarking on its strategic planning process that will ultimately result in a vision for Halton from now until 2010. Over the next four months, regional council will be taking part in several sessions to discuss the priorities and goals that will be contained in the 2007-2010 Strategic Plan. The document will encompass council's vision for Halton and priorities for this term of office, outlining what can be accomplished in the region over the next few years. The Region also creates annual plans for each of council's standing committees-- health and social services, planning and public works and administration and finance-- that detail specific actions on how council will achieve its Strategic Plan goals. As part of the process, public input will soon be sought through open houses, meetings and the Region's Web site, www.halton.ca. Courtroom drama Georgetown District High School Grade 12 students recently held a mock trial as part of their studies. Morgan Rock (court clerk) holds the Bible as she swears in David Wachman (police officer). Photo by Ted Brown Community Open House is planned for Feb. 17 The Cooperative Program Planning Committee of Halton Hills will be hosting a Community Open House on Saturday, February 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Georgetown Market Place. This event is held for community organizations to showcase their group to the residents of Halton Hills. The community groups participating will focus on the "Halton Hills-- Keep Exploring" event theme and will also be providing information on their organization. For more information about the event, please contact Joy Thompson, Manager of Recreation Services, Town of Halton Hills at 905-8732601 ext. 2263.