New requirements for carbon monoxide alarms, here’s what you need to know

First Alert SCO5RVA Battery-Operated Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm

Barrie Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents about new requirements for carbon monoxide alarms ahead of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Nov. 1 to 7.

As of Jan. 1, homes that have fuel-burning appliances like water heaters, furnaces, stoves, dryers, and fireplaces, will need to have additional carbon monoxide alarms, says the Ontario Fire Code.

According to the new regulations, there should be an alarm beside every bedroom and on every story of the home, like a main floor or basement.

Officials say even if residents have a carbon monoxide alarm in their home, they may need to add more.

Carbon monoxide alarms which detect invisible, odorless, and poisonous gas carbon monoxide produced by burning fuels are different from smoke detectors. And both are needed in homes.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer – a poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste,” says Barrie Fire Chief Kevin White. “The only way to detect carbon monoxide is with a working CO alarm. These updated regulations are aimed at keeping residents safe and saving lives. Start preparing now to ensure you are compliant before the 2026 deadline.”

To prepare for next year’s changes, there are some things the public can do now, like ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are installed, installing any required additional ones, testing alarms regularly, and regularly cleaning household appliances.