Level up on safety: carbon monoxide alarms now belong on every level at home

November 1 to 7 is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) is raising awareness about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the importance of having a working CO alarm at home. Currently, residents are required to have a CO alarm in their home outside the sleeping areas. To help make homes safer, starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require CO alarms on every floor of all homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.

On average, homes have between four to six fuel-burning appliances spread across all floors. So, it’s important to install CO alarms on every level, for protection from sources of the deadly gas.

Known as the “silent killer,” CO is a harmful gas people can’t see, taste or smell. In addition to harming humans, pets are also at risk of CO poisoning, which can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is created from the incomplete burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, propane and wood. The main source of CO in your home is a fuel-burning appliance/heater, a fireplace or an attached garage.

In 2024, MFES responded to more than 450 CO-related incidents in Mississauga, and in Ontario, there have been an average of 12 deaths a year and hundreds of hospitalizations caused by the harmful gas. It is still the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in North America. Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with simple steps that you can follow at your home.

Drop-in information sessions

Interested in learning more? Visit one of our public information sessions at a retail store near you to learn about CO prevention. Drop by and talk to a MFES Public Education Officer between 4 to 6 p.m. on the following dates and Mississauga locations:

• Tuesday, November 4 – Canadian Tire – 1156 Dundas St E
• Wednesday, November 5 – Rona – 2933-A Eglinton Ave W
• Thursday, November 6 – Home Depot – 5975 Terry Fox Way

Can’t attend the session? Watch the CO safety video to learn more about the importance of CO alarms.

Stay safe, it’s the law

Carbon monoxide alarms are required by law in all homes that have fuel-burning appliances such as a stove or furnace, heaters, a fireplace or an attached garage. It’s not enough to just have CO alarms outside all sleeping areas – having one on every floor is essential, for many homes this could mean installing an alarm on the first floor, basement or in an attic they use. Failure to comply with the new legislation could result in penalties staring at $235 and could go up to $50,000 for serious incidents. This applies to all homes including condos, apartments, semi-detached and detached homes, cottages, rental properties, residential suites, care occupancies, and retirement homes to help prevent deadly CO exposure.

Don’t forget to support the maintenance of your CO alarms by:

• Testing them monthly
• Replacing them every 10 years
• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances and vents in your home are inspected annually

Symptoms of CO poisoning

CO poisoning symptoms are described as “flu-like” symptoms, such as:

• chest pain
• confusion
• dizziness
• headache
• upset stomach/vomiting
• weakness

What to do if you suspect you have been exposed to CO poisoning or if your CO alarm is triggered?

• Find fresh air immediately
• Call 911

Learn more about CO safety.

Carbon monoxide safety tips

Tags

• Fire and Emergency Services