Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
In Ontario, Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week is the first week of November (November 1–7) and is a reminder of the importance of keeping your home healthy, eco-friendly, and safe.
The purpose of these awareness weeks is to educate the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to prevent poisoning, which can occur from any fuel-burning appliance and to encourage all residents to stay vigilant against carbon monoxide (CO) and raise awareness about the dangers of the "silent killer". There’s a reason they call carbon monoxide the “silent killer” – it’s colorless, odorless, tasteless and can’t be detected by humans without the help of an alarm or detector. As the weather gets colder and more people are using heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and other appliances that produce CO
Did you know that every year, more than 400 people are killed from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings? Even worse, did you know that young children are at even greater risk, with a quarter of all calls to poison control centers being for children 19 and under?
Take a moment this week to learn more about carbon monoxide safety, look for ways to reduce household waste, and practice proper sorting. Simple actions matter—keep your home safe.
EVERYDAY TIPS FOR A SAFER HOME
- Know the risks – Gas appliances and wood burning furnaces, water heaters, stoves and wood can produce carbon monoxide (CO). Because you can’t see or smell it, awareness is your best protection.
- Recognize symptoms – Headache, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue can signal CO exposure. If you notice these signs, get to fresh air immediately, and notify your Site Team.
- Keep air fresh – Even as the weather cools, a little ventilation helps maintain good indoor air quality. Be mindful of ventilation and never block air vents or use fuel-burning devices indoors unless designed for indoor use.
- Sort and reduce waste – Proper recycling and composting reduce your household’s environmental impact. A cleaner, well-organized building keeps everyone’s living environment healthier.
- Replacement of Alarms – All alarms MUST be replaced after 10 years. This is the law under the Ontario Fire Code.
- New Regulations – On January 1st, 2026, you will need a Carbon Monoxide alarm everywhere you need a smoke alarm.
For more information about Carbon Monoxide safety, please go to www.cosafety.ca