The changes will improve harmonization of the Ontario Fire Code with the 2020 National Fire Code of Canada and introduce new requirements to enhance fire-prevention safety. This includes changes to where carbon monoxide (CO) alarms must be placed in existing homes, including detached or semi-detached houses, townhouses and cottages.

The updated requirements apply to all existing homes that have any of the following:

• A fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood)
• A fireplace
• An attached garage
• Air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the home (e.g., an appliance in a utility shed).

If your home meets any of the conditions above, a CO alarm must be installed:

1. Adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms)
2. On every storey (floor) of your home, including storeys that do not have a sleeping area

These requirements are outlined in Section 2.16 of Division B of the Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07).

Tenants of rental properties are encouraged to contact their landlords immediately if they do not have the required number of CO alarms. Once alarms are installed, tenants cannot remove the batteries or tamper with the alarms in any way.

Please visit the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Website for further details. Protect yourself and your family. Most fatal home fires occur at night when people are asleep. The sooner a sleeping person wakes up and begins to escape, the greater his or her chances are of surviving the fire. Smoke alarms are the most effective low-cost early-warning device available to help ensure the safety of you and your family. A smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound the alarm giving you precious time to escape.

A Quick Checklist

• Make sure everyone knows the sound of the alarm and what to do if fire occurs.
• Develop and regularly practice your home fire escape plan.
• Know two ways out of every room and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside.
• Once outside, stay out!
• Never go back inside for any reason
• Call the Fire Department from a neighbour’s home.