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We care about your safety

CO Alarms ( when was yours last checked ? )

 Annual Safety Inspections are Important !!

Most people think the best way to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning is to have a CO alarm in your home. While that's important, the first line of defense against CO poisoning is prevention through annual inspections of your home heating equipment, including vents and chimneys.


Alarms are a good second line of defense, and every home should have at least one for each floor.

Remember 

The sensors on CO alarms wear out over time. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine when your particular unit should be replaced (usually after 7-10 years for CO alarms and 10 years for smoke alarms).

Alarm Yourself 

It is encouraged to test the alarm once a month and change the batteries annually. Replace the alarm when required.

Where To Install a CO Alarm 

  • On Every Level of Your Home or Cottage
  • In Your RV and Boat Cabin
  • Near Sleeping Areas
  • Your Boathouse

Do Not Install Alarms Near the Following 

  • Windows or Vents
  • Bathrooms
  • Heating or Fuel-Burning Appliances
  • Smoke Alarms (Unless a Combination Alarm)

Alarm Testing

  • Remember to test your CO alarm and smoke alarm once a month by pushing the unit's test button.
  • Replace batteries once a year, including back-up batteries for plug-in alarms.
  • A good habit is to change the batteries every fall or spring when you change your clocks.

Did You Know? 

Carbon monoxide mixes with air, unlike smoke which rises to the ceiling. If a combination smoke/CO detector is used, it should be located on the ceiling to detect smoke effectively.

Things to Know About CO Alarms 

A CO (carbon monoxide) alarm works like a smoke alarm in your home and beeps loudly when the sensors detect carbon monoxide. If you’re searching for a CO alarm, look for the CSA Blue Flame mark and the reference “CSA 6.19-01”. It is the most updated Canadian standard. This shows that the alarm meets recognized standards for safety.


CO alarms should be installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the same manufacturer’s maintenance procedures as you would with smoke alarms.

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