Whether you live alone, with family, or with roommates, having both smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home is crucial for your safety. These alarms are your first line of defence, providing early warning in case of fire or the presence of dangerous CO gas. Ensuring that your alarms are properly installed and maintained can save your life.
Smoke alarms
Why you need them
Most fire-related deaths happen at night while people are sleeping. Working smoke alarms provide early warning so you can escape safely.
Important facts
- Expiration: Smoke alarms expire after 10 years. After that time, they may not reliably detect smoke or fire.
- It’s the law: Every home must have working smoke and CO alarms on every level and next to all sleeping areas.
- Types: Smoke alarms can be battery-powered, hardwired, or a combination of both. Some come with a pause or hush feature to temporarily silence alarms during cooking. Buy alarms from trusted retailers that have certification markings to ensure they meet Canadian safety standards.
Installation tips
- Install alarms on the ceiling, as smoke rises. If not possible, place them high on the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid placing alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or ceiling fans.
Safety checklist
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
- Install, test and maintain alarms as per manufacturer’s instructions
- Change batteries twice a year.
- Replace alarms every 10 years or sooner if damaged.
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
If your CO alarm sounds, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.
Why you need them
CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. You can't see, hear, taste, or smell it, which is why it's called the "silent killer."
Important facts
- It’s the law: 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).
- Combination alarms that sense for smoke, fire and CO are available.
- Buy alarms from trusted retailers that have certification markings to ensure they meet Canadian safety standards.
- If the alarm sounds: Leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1.
Safety checklist
- Make sure outside vents are clear and not blocked, especially after heavy snowfall when snow can pile up and block them.
- Install a CO alarm on every level of your home and next to sleeping areas.
- Get your fuel-burning appliances inspected yearly.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and maintenance.
- Learn more about carbon monoxide safety and protect you and your family.
Special assistance
Alarms for the hearing impaired
Specialty smoke alarms that use high volume alarms and flashing lights are available for the deaf or hard-of-hearing. Visit the Canadian Hearing Service's website for information.
Alarm Assistance Program
If you are a Burlington homeowner over 65, or a person with a disability and need help maintaining your smoke and CO alarms, you may qualify for our Alarm Assistance Program. This program includes annual alarm testing and battery replacement for those with battery-operated alarms.
This is a free and voluntary assistance program offered by the fire department to eligible residents. Participating homeowners are responsible for ensuring their homes are compliant with Ontario laws.
Learn more about the Alarm Assistance Program