Don Kelly, BCA Safety
Winter can be a particularly dangerous season for both home fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. To protect your home and the safety of the occupants, the following safety information is provided. Remember that non-compliance with the Fire Code Regulations could nullify your insurance. Your goal should always be to “Keep Your Home Fire and CO Free.”
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM
Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer.” It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels like gasoline, natural gas, wood and charcoal. The common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion and drowsiness.
Starting on January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code Regulations have been updated with stricter carbon monoxide alarm placement regulations. Previously, CO alarms only had to be installed adjacent to each sleeping area, however, as of Jan. 1, CO alarms are required on each floor of the home, including those without sleeping areas. These regulations apply to every house with a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, as well as those with a full-burning heating appliance not located in the home.
For apartments and condos, CO alarms must be installed if the unit has a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace, or if it is located directly above, below or beside a garage or service room. Likewise, if the unit is heated by a fuel-burning appliance not contained in the unit, it should have a CO alarm. While your landlord may be responsible for ensuring the building meets Fire Code requirements, it’s in your best interest to confirm that a working CO alarm is installed on every level of your unit.
One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide build-up is poorly maintained appliances. It is recommended that you have your fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a qualified technician. While carbon monoxide build-up can happen anytime, the risk is greatest during the winter when heating appliances are in use. After a heavy snowfall, always ensure the outside vents are clear of snow.
SMOKE ALARM
Most fatal fires occur at night when people are sleeping. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound to alert you. Effective March 1, 2006, it is the law for all Ontario homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This covers single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.
The smoke alarm should be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the building or where a sleeping area is served by a hallway, install the alarm in the hall. Always install the smoke alarm on or near the ceiling in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Test your smoke alarms regularly by pressing the test button. Install a new battery in each alarm at least once a year. A good rule of thumb is to change your batteries when you change your clocks in the fall. All battery-operated smoke alarms are required to emit a warning sound, usually an intermittent “chirp” when the battery power is low. When there is a chirping sound, replace your battery immediately. Never wait. Remember that smoke alarms do wear out. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them.