Carbon Monoxide

If you think there is Carbon Monoxide in your home, evacuate your home safely and call 911.

Protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide. All households in Ontario are required to have a carbon monoxide detector as per the Hawkins-Gignac Act and the Ontario Fire Code.

For more information on how you can take action to stay safe, visit Ontario's resources on carbon monoxide alarms or contact the Technical Standards & Safety Authority.

What is carbon monoxide?

Most people have heard of carbon monoxide (CO) and know that it is dangerous. It's often a mystery of where it comes from, how it's produced, it's physical symptoms, and what precautions can be taken to ensure it doesn't endanger you. Or worse – Kill you.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas, often referred to as ‘the Silent Killer' because you can't see it, touch it or smell it. This odourless gas is produced as a by-product of combustion when common fuel-burning appliances and equipment that use natural gas, oil, wood, propane and kerosene, don't get enough air to burn up completely. When this happens, carbon monoxide can build up, especially in a confined room or space – and this can lead to toxic effects on humans and pets.

Carbon monoxide tips

All homes in Ontario that have an attached garage, fuel burning appliance or fireplace must have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed adjacent to all sleeping areas.

When to replace your alarm

Replace carbon monoxide alarms within the time frame indicated in the manufacturer's instructions - It's the law.

Check the date

Look at the back of the alarm for the date of manufacture. Generally, most carbon monoxide alarms need to be replaced 10 years from the manufacture or date of installation depending on the alarm. Even hardwired alarms need to be replaced.

Batteries

Batteries in carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced, at a minimum, on an annual basis and whenever a low-battery warning or chirp is heard. The Greenstone Fire Department recommends changing your batteries when you change your clocks.

Worry-Free or Nuisance Free Batteries

These alarms feature a sealed battery that cannot be easily tampered with. The battery never requires to be changed for the lifespan of the alarm, eliminating the hassles of low battery chirps and battery replacement.

Reduce your risk

Check your appliances

Regular appliance inspections are critical. Have a licensed technician check your fuel-burning appliances (furnace, range, fireplace, water heater) annually to ensure they are in proper working order and vented correctly.

Winter maintenance

During winter months, ensure your gas meters and intake and exhaust vents from any natural gas or propane appliances do not get covered in snow. This helps reduce the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home or business. For more information, check out these tips on carbon monoxide safety during the winter.