Windsor Fire promotes CO safety during awareness week

New fire code laws went into effect Jan. 1, requiring homeowners to have a working carbon monoxide alarm on each level if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage or direct heat by forced-air from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home. (File)

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, 2026, and is meant to highlight the deadly dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and stress the importance of having working CO alarms in homes.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent and dangerous threat that can only be detected by a working alarm. Having one in every home helps protect our families, our neighbours, and our community,” said James Waffle, Fire Chief, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services.

CO alarms have been required by Ontario law outside all sleeping areas in homes with fuel-fired appliances, fireplaces, or garages. since 2014. Earlier this year, Ontario expanded these requirements to further protect residents from CO exposure.

Expanded requirements now also apply to multi-unit residential buildings, such as apartment buildings, hotels/motels, and retirement homes. CO alarms are now also mandatory in buildings where residents require special care and need assistance to evacuate during an emergency.

“Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is serious and lethal, and there is no excuse to not take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. Because only a CO alarm will alert you to exposure, I’m pleased that we are expanding protection in Ontario to prevent CO injuries and deaths with these new Fire Code requirements,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal.

Windsor Fire & Rescue Services reminds everyone that carbon monoxide exposure can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse, loss of consciousness, and death.

For information on CO alarm maintenance and more, contact Windsor Fire & Rescue Services.