2024 Marks 10 Years Since First Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

The Hawkins Gignac Act, 2013 proclaims the week beginning on November 1 of each year as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. No matter which day of the week it is, November 1 always is the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.  

“10 years later, we have seen heightened awareness of the seriousness of the issue and have updated the Ontario Fire Code to mandate CO alarms in all homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplace, or attached garages. We’ve seen the tremendous difference this has made in protecting Ontario families but the responsibility to test and maintain alarms is ongoing.” - Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal

Facts:

- Many homes in Ontario have an average of 4-6 fuel-burning appliances that produce CO.

-Landlords must ensure CO alarms are installed and maintained in rental properties. 
Tenants, remember to test your CO alarms every month by simply pressing the test button. It's against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with CO alarms in any way.

-It's the law! Install carbon monoxide alarms. If you have fuel-burning appliances, install CO alarms adjacent to all sleeping areas.

- Install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has an attached garage.
Test CO alarms monthly and change the batteries once a year.

- Get an annual inspection of fuel-burning appliances and vents by a registered contractor. Prevent CO poisoning and install CO alarms adjacent to all sleeping areas.

- Get an annual inspection of fuel-burning appliances and vents by a registered contractor. It could save you from deadly CO poison.

- Get an annual inspection of fuel-burning appliances and vents by a registered contractor.
It could save you from deadly CO poison.

                                                                                      - Credit to the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall