Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke alarm requirements

The Ontario Fire Code requires that all homes must have a working smoke alarm installed:

• on every floor level

• outside all sleeping areas

This applies to all single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner occupied or rented.

Smoke alarm maintenance

Here are a few things to consider when maintaining your smoke alarm:

• Never remove batteries from smoke alarms. If false alarms are a problem, try moving the alarm to another location or purchase an alarm with a pause feature that temporarily silences the alarm.

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

• Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries every year.

• Clean your smoke alarms often by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Ensure that all members of your household know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.

• Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it.

Where to install smoke alarms

Here are a few things to consider when installing your smoke alarm:

• If anyone in the household sleeps with the bedroom door closed, consider installing a smoke alarm inside the bedroom.

• On floor levels not containing sleeping areas, install smoke alarms in the living area or at stairwells leading to an upper floor.

• Do not install smoke alarms in areas of cold temperatures or high heat (see manufacturer’s recommendations).

• Do not install smoke alarms closer than 1 m or 3’ to kitchens or bathrooms.

• Install smoke alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling. If mounting on a wall, position the top of the smoke alarm approximately 10 - 30 cm (4” to 12”) from the ceiling. If mounting on the ceiling, position the alarm at least 10 cm (4”) away from a wall.

• Do not install smoke alarms near vents where air movement may prevent the alarm from working.

When installing smoke alarms, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Know the sounds and what do to

• Your smoke alarm sounds different than your carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds. Replace the batteries if the alarms do not sound when the test button is pushed. If it still doesn’t sound, replace the alarm.

• A continuous beeping sound means there is an emergency and you should:

  • leave the house

  • call 9-1-1 from a safe location

  • stay out of the house

• A chirping sound means the batteries or alarm should be replaced immediately. First try replacing the battery. If the chirping continues then replace the alarm.

Smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing

There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed. These work by shaking the pillow or bed when the smoke alarm sounds. These products can be found online and in stores that sell smoke and CO alarms.

Make sure to choose smoke alarms and accessories for people who are deaf or hard of hearing that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. It’s also good practice to sleep with your mobile phone and your hearing aids or implants close to your bed.

Make sure your smoke and CO alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Some tips:

• Install a bedside alert device that responds to the sound of the smoke and CO alarms. Using a low frequency alarm can also wake a sleeping person with mild to severe hearing loss.

• Sleep with your mobility device, glasses and phone close to your bed.

• Keep pathways and hallways lit with night lights and free from clutter to make sure everyone can get out safely.

Smoke and CO Alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing(PDF, 252.38 KB)

Visit the Canadian Hearing Society for more information about alarm alternatives to standard smoke alarms.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odourless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air. It is toxic to humans and animals when encountered in higher concentrations. The main sources of carbon monoxide in your home are:

• Wood burning stoves

• Gas stoves

• Gas water heaters and furnaces

• Cars warming up in the garage

• Kerosene heaters

Prevent carbon monoxide in your home

• Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected annually. Visit COSafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.

• Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked.

• Gas and charcoal barbeques should only be used outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Never use barbeques inside garages, even if the garage doors are open.

• Portable fuel-burning generators should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from windows, doors, vents and other building openings.

• Ensure all portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.

• Open the flu before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.

• Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.

Installing your carbon monoxide alarm

Here are a few things to consider when installing your carbon monoxide alarm:

• Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm outside all sleeping areas in your home.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms where they can be heard.

• Carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air and will distribute evenly, so carbon monoxide alarms can be installed at any height.

Know the sound of your carbon monoxide alarm

• Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.

• Don't be confused by the sound of your CO alarm's low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer's instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the 'end-of-life' warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.

What to do if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off

Here are the top three things you must do if your carbon monoxide alarm is activated:

1. Get everybody outdoors immediately.

2. Call 911 from a safe location.

3. Keep all windows and doors closed, after everyone has left the house, to allow for an accurate reading of carbon monoxide levels.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

The following are all symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Flu-like symptoms

If you or your family members are experiencing any of these symptoms you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. If these symptoms are less severe when you are outside of the home it may also be a sign of a carbon monoxide problem in the house. If you feel that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning you should call 911 as well as get proper medical attention.