Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. You cannot see, taste or smell CO, that's why it's known as the "silent killer".
Learn how to prevent CO poisoning, recognize the symptoms, and ensure your home CO alarms are working.
Do you have carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home?
In enclosed spaces like your home or vehicle, even a small amount of CO can be life threatening. Only working alarms can save lives.
It's the law that you must have CO alarms outside each sleeping area in your home and on every floor level in residential and care occupancy buildings with fuel-burning appliances, heating systems, fireplaces or attached garages.
Apartment and condominium (multi-unit residential) and care occupancy buildings with attached garages or service rooms, CO alarms are required in each unit with a common wall, floor or ceiling with the garage or service room and in the service room. CO alarms are required in each public corridor where a forced-air fuel-burning appliance provides heated air (e.g. hallway of each floor).
If your CO alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.
Alarm Assistance Program
If you are a senior or person with a disability who lives alone and needs help maintaining your smoke and CO alarms, you may qualify for our Alarm Assistance Program.
Carbon monoxide safety checklist
Follow these tips to keep you and your family safe:
- Install a CO alarm on every level of your home next to sleeping areas.
- Get an inspection for all fuel-burning appliances in your home at least once a year. Find a qualified Ontario fuels contractor.
- If a combination smoke and CO alarm is used, make sure it's installed on the ceiling so it will detect smoke effectively since smoke rises
- Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. To work properly, a CO alarm should not be blocked by furniture, curtains or other obstructions to normal air flow
- Alarms expire, usually every 5 to 10 years. Check the expiration date and replace when needed
- Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for additional information regarding proper installation, use and maintenance of your alarm(s).
- Check that outside vents are clear and not blocked
- Keep lots of space around space heaters
- Never use a portable fuel-burning appliance, like a barbeque, inside your home.
Carbon monoxide awareness video
Watch Julia's story, a video on CO awareness.
More information
Learn more about carbon monoxide safety and protect you and your family.
If you have questions about CO safety or your CO alarms, visit our Smoke and CO Alarms page or email the Fire Department.