Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
November 1-7, 2026, is “Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week” in Ontario. The Hamilton Fire Department invites our City of Hamilton community partners to engage in this province-wide fire safety education initiative.
This awareness week is recognized across Ontario to highlight the deadly dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and stress the importance of having working CO alarms in homes to save lives.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the "silent killer" because it is an invisible, odourless, tasteless gas that cannot be detected by human senses. It is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, oil, wood, charcoal, or kerosene do not burn completely. Exposure to CO can quickly become life-threatening because it reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen to vital organs.
Where Are CO Alarms Required in a House or Townhouse?
Ontario law requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes that contain:
• A fuel-burning appliance,
• A fireplace, or
• An attached garage.
CO alarms must be installed:
• Adjacent to all sleeping areas (outside
bedrooms).
• On every storey (floor) of the home, including detached houses, semi-detached houses, townhouses, and cottages.
Where Are CO Alarms Required in an Apartment Building?
In apartment and multi-residential buildings, CO alarms are generally required:
• Adjacent to sleeping areas in suites that contain fuel-burning appliances or
fireplaces.
• Adjacent to sleeping areas in suites that share a wall, floor, or ceiling with a garage or service room containing fuel-burning equipment.
• On storeys within affected suites that do not contain sleeping areas.
• In service rooms containing fuel-burning appliances.
• In certain public corridors served by fuel-burning heating systems.
Landlords are responsible for ensuring required CO alarms are installed and maintained in rental properties.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Symptoms and Actions to Take
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often resemble the flu and may include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting
• Fatigue, weakness or drowsiness
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness
• Death in severe cases
Children, seniors, and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be affected more quickly.
If a CO Alarm Sounds or CO Poisoning is Suspected
1. Move everyone outdoors immediately to fresh air.
2. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home or building.
3. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders determine it is safe.
4. Seek medical attention if anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning.
How Can CO Be Prevented at Home?
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Have fuel-burning appliances, chimneys, and vents inspected and serviced annually by qualified professionals.
- Keep outside vents and chimneys clear of snow, ice, nests, and debris.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace alarm batteries as required and replace alarms when they reach the end of their service life.
- Never use a barbecue, camp stove, or generator inside a home, garage, shed, or other enclosed space.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- Ensure fireplaces are properly vented and chimneys are unobstructed.
- Never idle a vehicle inside a garage, even with the garage door open.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions for fuel-burning appliances and equipment.
Install it. Test it. Maintain it. A working carbon monoxide alarm is the only reliable way to detect the presence of this invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly gas. Regular testing and proper maintenance can save lives.
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