Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week takes place every year from November 1 to 7 in Ontario. The goal of this important public safety initiative is to educate the community about the dangers of carbon monoxide — often called the silent killer — and how to stay safe.

This year, Severn Fire and Emergency Services is offering a free combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm to property owners in our community (limit of one free alarm per property), made possible by the Safe Community Project Zero campaign, a a public education program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council supported by Enbridge Gas Ontario. A limited number of alarms are available. 

Free alarm swap dates and times

Property owners can swap their expired alarms for a new alarm at one of three scheduled dates and locations. Please note, property owners will be required to show proof of residency in Severn. This can include a property tax bill and photo identification, such as a drivers licence or other government issued photo identification. As alarms are the responsibility of the property owner, not the tenant, only registered property owners are eligible. A reminder that no-one should be in an unalarmed or unprotected home.

If you are unable to attend one of the swap dates but would like to request a free alarm, please email our Fire Prevention Officer or call 705-325-2315 x248.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is produced when fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, wood, or propane do not burn completely. It can build up in enclosed spaces, and breathing it can cause serious illness or death.

Sources of CO include:

• blocked chimneys or flues
• gas furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters
• generators and gas-powered tools
• vehicles left running in attached garages
• wood-burning stoves and fireplaces

Safety tips

Keep your home, property, and loved ones safe following these tips:

• have fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a TSSA-certified technician 
• install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas in your home; if your home has multiple levels, install at least one CO alarm per floor
• never run a generator or barbeque inside your home, garage, or near a window, vent or opening
• never warm up your vehicle in an attached garage, even with the door open
• test your CO alarm monthly and replace batteries annually, or as required by the manufacturer
• replace CO alarms every 7 to10 years, depending on the model or as recommended by the manufacturer

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning

If exposed to CO, you may experience:

• confusion, drowsiness
• headache, dizziness, nausea
• loss of consciousness

If you or anyone in your home is showing any of these symptoms and a CO alarm is sounding, leave the building immediately and call 9-1-1.

It’s the law in Ontario

Under the Ontario Fire Code, working CO alarms are required in all homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. Not having working CO alarms can result in fines.