November 1 to 7 is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to check and test their home Carbon Monoxide alarms
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless, and invisible gas that can be deadly if inhaled. Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness. In severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.
To be sure that your home is equipped with working CO alarms, review the following guidelines:
Carbon monoxide alarm requirements
Did you know that on January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code changed to keep you safe? Aligning with national standards and adding Ontario-specific protections. Here is what changed:
- Existing Homes: CO alarms are now required on every storey, not just near sleeping areas (if you have an attached garage or a fuel-burning appliance)
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: Alarms must be installed in suites meeting certain conditions, service rooms, and in some cases, public corridors
- Care Occupancies: Residential care facilities and certain group homes need alarms in suites and common areas.
Testing and replacing alarms
To give you and your family peace of mind, test your alarms every month by pressing the test button. Continue the maintenance of your alarm and replace batteries every year if the unit does not have a 10-year lithium battery. As a landlord, you must test the CO alarms annually or when changes are made to the electrical circuit. It is also important to test alarms when a tenant change occurs at your rental.
Keeping your home safe
Make sure a qualified technician regularly services all fuel-burning appliances. Take extra care if you have an attached garage by maintaining the door seal and ensuring a closing hinge is installed. To prevent CO from entering your home, never run your vehicle or a fuel-fired piece of equipment in your garage.
Understand the sound
Remember, your carbon monoxide alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and ensure everyone in the household knows the two alarm sounds.
If your CO alarms sounds, or you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, ensure all doors and windows are closed and leave the home immediately. Once safely outside, call emergency services.
For more information regarding the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and servicing your alarms, visit our Carbon Monoxide information page.
2026-11-01
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