New carbon monoxide rules are now in effect, requiring that Ontario homeowners install additional CO alarms on every level of their homes and outside all sleeping areas.
Under the old regulations, any home with fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters or fireplaces, was required to have CO alarms outside sleeping areas only. Now CO detectors must be in place on each level of the home.
Peterborough Fire Services public educator Amanda Dears says CO alarms provide the only early warning of a carbon monoxide leak.
Dears notes that while building owners are required to ensure there are detectors in place, it’s up to tenants to ensure they are operational.
Dears says spending a few dollars on something that keeps you and others safe is always a good investment.
Dears adds it’s also vital to keep carbon monoxide exhaust pipes clear of snow and ice to ensure your home is venting properly.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
