Carbon Monoxide Safety

Changes to the Ontario Fire Code

Changes to the Ontario Fire Code related to carbon monoxide will come into effect on January 1, 2026. 

If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage, Ontario’s updated Fire Code will soon require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every storey — not just near bedrooms.

Learn more about the changes to the Fire Code on the province's Carbon monoxide safety page.

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
• starting January 1, 2026, if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage, Ontario’s updated Fire Code make sure you have a co alarm on every storey — not just near bedrooms
• 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.

Changes to the Ontario Fire Code will come into effect on January 1, 2026, requiring homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage to have CO alarms on every storey — not just near bedrooms.

Not having working CO alarms can result in fines. 

Free CO alarms are available

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. 

Property owners in need of a new CO alarm can swap their expired alarm for a new alarm at our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane) between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last.

If you are unable to visit our Administration Office, but would like to request a free alarm, please email our Fire Prevention Officer or call 705-325-2315 x248.