Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning.

New Safety Requirement

On January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code expanded its requirements for CO alarms in homes (new and existing). If your home has any of the following, you need CO alarms:

  • A fuel-burning appliance (natural gas, propane, oil, or wood)
  • A wood or gas burning fireplace
  • An attached garage
  • Heating supplied by a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home (e.g., in a shed)

CO alarms need to be present and installed:

  1. Adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms)

  2. On every storey of your home, including those without sleeping areas (effective January 1, 2026)

These rules apply to all types of homes, including detached houses, townhouses, and cottages.

If the Alarm Sounds

If your CO alarm goes off, follow these steps to be safe:

  1. Evacuate all occupants from the home immediately without ventilating.
  2. Call 911 from a safe location.
  3. Do not re-enter the home until you are told by FES it is safe.

What is CO?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odorless, tasteless and deadly gas produced by burning gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel. CO can enter your home from faulty or improperly ventilated home appliances that burn natural gas, oil, propane, wood or kerosene.

If you are exposed to CO, you may experience the following health risks:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

In severe cases, you may experience CO poisoning which can cause brain damage and potentially death. Severe symptoms include:

  • Mental confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of muscle control and coordination
  • Loss of consciousness

Maintaining and Installing CO Alarms

Your carbon monoxide alarm should be tested regularly to make sure it is operating properly. Keep the unit clean and free of dust dirt and other debris, which could affect proper functioning. The manual will tell you how to test your alarm.

You should keep common household chemicals and cleaners away from your CO alarms. Low exposure over an extended period could damage the sensing device and cause it to malfunction.

It is important to install a CO alarm near sleeping areas. For added safety, you can add more alarms near heating sources.

Fire Safety Videos