Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

·       Existing homes that contain at least one fuel-burning appliance (e.g., gas water heater or gas furnace), fireplace or an attached garage, require the installation of a CO alarm.

• Install at least one CSA-6.19.01 approved carbon monoxide alarm outside bedrooms. For even better protection, install a CO alarm on every story.
• Check the expiry date of existing CO alarms and replace any devices built before 2008. CO alarms need to be replaced every 7-10 years depending on the brand.
• Have a licensed technician inspect your fuel burning appliances (eg: furnace, range, fireplace, water heater) annually, to ensure they are in proper working order and vented correctly.
• For families with older parents/relatives, help them inspect their CO alarms.
• Replace batteries in your CO alarm annually, or opt for models with 10 year sealed lithium batteries that never need to be changed.
• In the event a CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the house, stay out, and call 911! Exposure to CO reduces your ability to think clearly, so never delay if your alarm goes off and you sense a problem. Do not open windows.

Smoke Alarms

Ontario law requires that working smoke alarms be located on every story of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could result in a ticket for $235 or a fine up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporation. 

• Test smoke alarms monthly
• Change the battery in each smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector every six months or whenever the low-battery warning sounds
• Vacuum the exterior of the smoke alarm using the soft bristle attachment on the vacuum cleaner
• Replace smoke alarms that are more than ten years old
• If a smoke alarm frequently goes off when you're cooking or using the shower, do NOT remove the battery or disconnect the power source. Try moving the smoke alarm, purchasing a smoke alarm with a hush feature, or replacing ionization alarms located near kitchens with photoelectric alarms
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing, testing & maintaining smoke alarms
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in household

   FACT: Smoke alarms can increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50%!