County of Brant Fire Urges Residents to Check Carbon Monoxide Alarms

November 1 to 7 is Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, and the County of Brant Fire Department is reminding residents to check their carbon monoxide alarms and take steps to protect their families from this potentially deadly gas.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood and gasoline do not burn completely. Common sources include furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and other fuel-burning appliances. Without a working carbon monoxide alarm, dangerous levels of the gas can go undetected.

“Carbon monoxide is dangerous because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it,” said Fire Chief Darren Watson. “Working alarms, regular maintenance of fuel-burning appliances and knowing what to do if an alarm goes off are important steps in keeping your household safe.”

As of January 1, 2026, CO alarms are required outside all sleeping areas and on every storey of a home, including storeys without bedrooms, in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, attached garages, or a forced-air fuel-burning appliance located outside the building.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion and shortness of breath. Severe exposure can result in unconsciousness or death.

County of Brant Fire encourages residents to follow these safety tips:

• Test your alarms monthly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance, battery replacement, and alarm expiration.
• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a qualified technician to ensure they are operating safely.
• Keep chimneys and vents clear of obstructions and ensure they are properly maintained.
• Never use barbecues, camping stoves or gas-powered generators indoors, including inside garages, even if doors or windows are open.
• If your CO Alarm goes off and anyone feels unwell, leave the home and immediately call 911 from outside. If no one has symptoms, check the alarm for low battery or end-of-life warnings before calling 911.

Carbon monoxide safety starts with awareness. County of Brant Fire encourages residents to use Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week as a reminder to check their alarms, review their home safety practices and help protect their loved ones.

Follow County of Brant Fire on Facebook and Instagram for important fire safety messages, tips and updates. For more fire safety information and resources, visit www.brant.ca/fire.