Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is November 1-7

By Town of Kingsville - Oct 31, 2026

Community News and Notices

The Kingsville Fire Department is using Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, recognized annually across Ontario from November 1 to 7, as an opportunity to remind residents to protect themselves and their families.

"Carbon monoxide is often called the 'silent killer' because it is an invisible, odourless and tasteless gas that cannot be detected without a working carbon monoxide alarm," said Kingsville Fire Chief Scott Moore. "Exposure to CO can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness and death."

Ontario's updated carbon monoxide alarm requirements apply to all existing homes that have:

A fuel-burning appliance
A fireplace
An attached garage
A fuel-burning appliance located outside the home that supplies heated air to the residence

CO alarms are required outside all sleeping areas and on every storey of these homes.

To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, residents should:

Install and regularly test CO alarms in homes, cottages, RVs and other places where people sleep and where a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, attached garage or qualifying outdoor heating appliance is present
Know the symptoms of CO poisoning
Leave the building immediately and call 911 if a CO alarm sounds or anyone experiences symptoms of CO exposure
Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected and maintained annually by a qualified contractor

"Working carbon monoxide alarms provide an early warning that can save lives," said Chief Moore. "Residents should take a few minutes to test their alarms and ensure they meet the current requirements."

Learn more about carbon monoxide safety, alarm requirements and prevention tips at COsafety.ca.