Detect

Your most important line of defence against carbon monoxide is a properly installed and maintained certified alarm. These are designed to sound when carbon monoxide levels pose an immediate threat to your health.

Health Canada recommends that you have at least one working carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home, especially outside of bedrooms. These need to be certified for use in Canada. As levels below which trigger an alarm can pose a health risk, particularly to certain vulnerable populations, you may wish to choose a carbon monoxide alarm that is equipped with a low-level digital display that allows you to monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home and identify an issue early.

Note that carbon monoxide alarms are designed to prevent immediate carbon monoxide poisoning. They are not a substitute for the proper installation and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances in your home.

Certification

Buying a carbon monoxide alarm? Look for a mark from recognized certification bodies like Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

These marks must be found on:

• The carbon monoxide alarm itself
• The product packaging

If you are purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm online, check the product description to check that it is certified to Canadian safety standards. If you aren't sure, ask the seller. If the seller cannot confirm that the product is certified to Canadian safety standards and bears a recognized certification mark, don't risk it!

Installation

You need to have at least one working carbon monoxide alarm in your home, though its recommended you have one on each floor.

For maximum protection, install your carbon monoxide alarm outside of sleeping areas. This will increase the likelihood that you will hear the alarm go off when you are sleeping.

Always follow the manufacturers installation recommendations! Store the manual in a safe place, and write the date on the battery or device to remind you when it was installed and when it should be replaced.

Excellent!

Having a working carbon monoxide alarm is the only way to ensure that carbon monoxide is not at elevated levels in your home.

Keep in mind

Remember that carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, so without a carbon monoxide alarm, you can be exposed without you even realizing it. According to Health Canada, you should have at least one working carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home, especially in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Make sure that it is certified for use in Canada.

Awesome!

If you see Canadian certification marks, you can trust that your carbon monoxide alarm has been assessed by an accredited laboratory and meets national safety standards.

You should probably replace it!

Products that do not have a recognized Canadian certification mark may not meet Canadian performance standards and could fail or operate incorrectly, putting you and your family at risk.

That's great!

It's important to make sure your carbon monoxide alarm is in proper working order so it can help keep you safe.

Are you home? Test now!

Just press the little button (should be on front or side of the device) to make sure it's functional!

Maintenance

Remember to test your carbon monoxide alarm(s) frequently by pushing the test button on the unit.

Is the device battery-powered? If so, replace the batteries annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that plug-in alarms will usually have back-up batteries, so don't forget to change those so that your alarm works even during a power outage!

Like most things, carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Check the expiry date on your device and follow manufacturer advice.

Buy

Carbon monoxide alarms are commonly found in home improvement stores and online. Do your research, and remember to look for one that is certified for use in Canada!

Ready to buy? Here are some quick links to help you get started:

• CanadianTire.ca
• HomeDepot.ca
• HomeHardware.ca
• Rona.ca
• Lowes.ca

Know what to do if the alarm sounds

Always evacuate if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off! Don't delay as carbon monoxide reduces your ability to think clearly, and you can quickly be overcome.

• Do not try to locate the source
• Make sure all people and pets leave the home and move to fresh air
• Call 911
• Only return to your home when cleared by emergency services.