Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week: Small Steps to Keep Your Home Safe
During Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (November 1–7), the Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is reminding residents and seasonal property owners of the importance of working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and taking simple steps to keep their homes and cottages safe.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and potentially deadly gas produced when fuels such as wood, propane, natural gas or gasoline do not burn completely. Under Ontario's updated Fire Code requirements, homes and cottages with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages must have CO alarms adjacent to each sleeping area and on every storey.
Know the signs! Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death.
Five Simple Steps for CO Safety
- Test your CO alarms. Check the expiry date and test each alarm monthly using the test button and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.
- Know where alarms are required. Under Ontario's updated Fire Code requirements, homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages must have CO alarms adjacent to each sleeping area and on every storey, including floors without bedrooms.
- Maintain fuel-burning appliances. Have furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-burning equipment inspected and serviced by qualified professionals.
- Keep vents and exhaust outlets clear. Check that outdoor vents are not blocked by leaves, snow or other debris.
- Use equipment safely. Never operate generators, barbecues or other fuel-burning outdoor equipment inside a home, cottage, garage or enclosed space.
If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders advise that it is safe to do so.
We’re Here to Help!
Need help with your smoke or CO alarms? The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department offers home visits to test alarms and has smoke/CO alarms available for residents who need them.
For assistance or questions, contact our 24-hour non-emergency dispatch line at 705-909-0001. In an emergency, always call 911.
Working alarms save lives.
For more information about carbon monoxide safety and Ontario's updated alarm requirements, visit ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide.
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For more information, please contact:
Muskoka Lakes Fire Department
Administration: 705-765-3156 x274
Non-Emergency (24/7): 705-909-0001
emergencyservices@muskokalakes.ca
For general or media inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca
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