Now, no matter the age of your home, if you have any oil, propane or gas-burning appliances, furnace or water heater, a wood or gas fireplace, or an attached garage or carport, you must have working carbon monoxide alarms installed near sleeping areas. Ontario’s CO alarm law brings a consistent level of protection to all Ontarians.
CO Safety Tips to Protect Your Family
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It is law in Ontario to install CO alarms outside sleeping areas.
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CO alarms are required by law to be replaced within the time frame indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions and/or on the label on the unit. Some new CO alarms offer sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years from activation.
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For optimal protection, install additional CO alarms on every floor of the home.
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Have a licensed technician inspect your fuel burning appliances annually, (eg. furnace, range, fireplace, water heater) to ensure they are in proper working order and vented correctly.
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For families with older parents or relatives, it is wise to help them inspect their CO alarms.
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CO alarms don’t last forever. They need to be replaced every 7-10 years.
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If your alarm goes off 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.
