Carbon Monoxide Alarms | Township of Oro-Medonte

ATTENTION: January 1, 2026, Ontario Fire Code Changes in Effect

Effective January 1, 2026 changes to the Ontario Fire Code requires additional carbon monoxide alarms in single family homes and multi-unit residential buildings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces and or an attached garage.

Learn about the new requirements

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell, or taste. Known as the “silent killer,”. CO is caused by the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, or wood.

CO alarms will alert you when dangerous levels of CO are present in your home. During an emergency, a working CO alarm will sound FOUR loud beeps followed by a pause, repeating continuously. If you hear this alarm, leave the home immediately and call 9‑1‑1.

CO alarms provide early warning of sudden failures in fuel‑burning appliances and are one of the most important lines of defence against carbon monoxide exposure.

What are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness. In very severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children, people with heart or respiratory conditions, and pets may be particularly sensitive to CO and may feel the effects sooner. If you experience flu-like symptoms at home but feel better once outside, this might be a warning sign of CO in the home.

What to do if your Carbon Monoxide Alarm is Sounding?

Don’t ignore the alarm
Leave the building immediately for fresh air

Call 9-1-1 once you're safely outside and stay there until first responders arrive

Winter Safety: Keep Exterior Vents Clear to Prevent CO

During the winter months, snow and ice can block exterior chimneys and vents for furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and fireplaces. When these openings become obstructed, CO can build up in your home, creating a serious, potentially life‑threatening hazard.

How to Stay Safe This Winter

Keep all exterior vents clear of snow and ice. Check them frequently during storms.
Keep a clear path to your gas meter for emergency access.
Gently remove snow and ice from gas meters and piping using a broom or your hands.
Remove icicles hanging above meters or appliances to prevent damage or freezing.
Clear chimneys and exterior vents after heavy snow or ice buildup.
Regularly maintain all fuel‑burning appliances.
Have working CO alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside immediately and call 9‑1‑1.

Keeping vents clear and ensuring your CO alarms are working properly is your best protection against carbon monoxide during the winter season.

Carbon Monoxide Installation Requirements

The installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide alarms are required by law. Failing to comply with these requirements is an offence under the Ontario Fire Code. Non-compliance can lead to fines or administrative penalties.

Requirements for Houses

The requirements outlined below apply to existing homes (such as detached homes, semi-detached homes, townhomes, cottages), effective January 1, 2026.

Previously, CO alarms were only required outside sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances. You are now required to install a CO alarm on every storey, even on floors without bedrooms.

CO alarms are required if the home has any of the following:

a fuel-burning appliance (furnace, water heater, stove, dryer, etc.);
a fireplace;
an attached garage; OR
air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home (such as a unit in a shed or utility room),

Location requirements

The Ontario Fire Code requires CO alarms in two locations:

Outside each sleeping area (near bedrooms), AND
On every storey of your home, including storeys without bedrooms.

Requirements for Multi-Unit Residences/Buildings

In all existing multi-unit residences (such as apartments, condos, homes with additional residential units, duplexes, retirement homes, boarding/lodging/rooming houses, hotels/motels, etc.) CO alarms are required in:

any suite that contains a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace;
any suite directly above, below or beside a service room with a fuel-burning appliance;
any suite directly above, below or beside a garage; AND
any suite that is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the suite (for example, a central furnace).

Inside those suites, CO alarms must be installed:

adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms); AND
on every storey of the suite, including storeys without bedrooms.

In the rest of the building:

Install CO alarms in every service room or area that contains a fuel-burning appliance; AND
If public corridors are heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance, install CO alarms in those corridors, as well

Landlord & Tenant Responsibilities

Landlords must ensure the rental unit is compliant and properly protected, including providing and maintaining required safety devices such as smoke and CO alarms at the start of the tenancy. Landlords must also give tenants a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions for smoke and CO alarms.

Tenants must maintain these devices day‑to‑day, including testing them, replacing batteries when needed, and notifying the landlord if something is damaged or not working.

Testing & Replacing Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Test your CO alarms monthly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and replacement requirements. Ensure all CO alarms are certified by a recognized testing agency such as CSA, ULC, or ETL. Never purchase a CO alarm that does not display one of these certifications.

Alarm for Life Program

The Alarm for Life Program from Oro-Medonte Fire and Emergency Services (OMFES) provides residents with a free Home Fire and Life Safety Audit (link page). During this visit, fire personnel check your home for essential safety features, including working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, proper placement of alarms, and common fire hazards, to help ensure you and your family are protected.

If any alarms are missing, outdated, or not functioning, OMFES may supply and install a battery-operated combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm at no cost.

This program helps residents improve home safety, meet Ontario Fire Code requirements, and reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide incidents.

For more information contact the Fire Prevention Division at 705-487-2171.

For more information regarding Ontario Fire Code requirements, contact Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services 705-487-2171.