First Alert: Smoke & Carbon monoxide detector
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Relevant Material: First Alert combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms offer 2-in-1 protection from both types of danger... (Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors)
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Relevant Material: In Canada, smoke alarms must be tested monthly by pressing the test button, cleaned every 6 months via vacuuming, and replaced entirely every 10 years. Replace batteries annually (or when chirping) for battery-operated units. Ensure alarms are on every level and outside all sleeping areas.
- Monthly Testing: Press the test button until the alarm sounds.
- Alternative Test: Use smoke from an extinguished candle to test functionality within 20 seconds.
- Rental Properties: Landlords in some jurisdictions, such as Winnipeg, are required to test alarms annually and keep records.
- Failure Protocol: If an alarm fails to sound, replace the battery immediately. If it still fails, replace the unit.
- Clean Regularly: Every 6 months, vacuum the inside of the alarm with a soft brush to remove dust.
- Battery Replacement: Change batteries at least once a year.
- 10-Year Rule: Replace all smoke alarms, including hard-wired ones, every 10 years.
- Nuisance Alarms: If the alarm goes off due to cooking or steam, do not remove the battery; clear the air or press the hush button.
- Install alarms on every level, including the basement.
- Install alarms in every bedroom or in the hallway outside sleeping areas.
- Ensure all devices are certified by a recognized testing lab (e.g., ULC) ... (Google)
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Relevant Material: “Over the last 10 years, approximately 50% of all Canadian fires, including outdoor fires, have occurred in the "Residential" properties. When only building fires are considered, residential fires account for 80% of all fires...‘ (Google)
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- Relevant Material: Residential fires in Ontario account for a majority of fire-related deaths, with 2022 seeing over 130 fatalities, one of the highest numbers in decades. Cooking and smoking materials are the leading causes of residential fires and deaths. A high percentage of these fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms.Key Ontario Residential Fire Statistics
- Fatalities: Ontario recorded 133 fire-related deaths in 2022, following124 in 2021 and 115 in 2020, representing a recent, significant upward trend.
- Leading Causes: Cooking equipment causes roughly 32% of residential fire incidents and 43% of injuries.
- Fatal Causes: Smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal residential fires, accounting for 64% of deaths.
- Risk Factors: Many fatal fires occur due to impaired judgment (alcohol), lack of working smoke alarms, or smoking in bed/on sofas.
- Timing: Approximately 1 in 3 fire deaths occur during the winter months of November, December, and January.
- Structure: About 86% of fatal fires in certain reviewed Ontario demographics occurred in detached homes.
Prevention and Trends- Smoke Alarms: A "very high percentage" of fatalities happen in homes without working smoke alarms.
- Seasonality: Risk increases in colder months, likely due to heating, smoking, and indoor activity.
- High-Risk Groups: Residents in low-income neighborhoods and those with limited mobility are at higher risk. (Google)
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- Relevant Material: As of early 2026, carbon monoxide (CO) remains a significant safety hazard in Ontario, with an average of 11 to 12 deaths per year in the province. The gas is responsible for hundreds of hospitalizations annually in Canada, with a high concentration of these incidents occurring in Ontario homes.Key Ontario Carbon Monoxide Statistics & Facts
- Fatalities: On average, 11-12 people die from CO poisoning annually in Ontario.
- Location: Over 65% of CO-related injuries and deaths in Ontario occur in the home.
- Risk Factors: Approximately 88% of all homes have a potential CO threat.
- Seasonality: Incidents are highest during colder months due to increased use of heating appliances.
- Vulnerability: Children under five are highly vulnerable, representing a significant percentage of incidents.
- Regional Impact: A 2015 study indicated the highest emergency department visits were in the Central East region.
New 2026 Ontario Fire Code Changes
Starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code was updated to require stricter CO alarm installation:- Mandatory Placement: CO alarms are now required on every storey of a home (including basements) that has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
- Previous Requirement: Previously, alarms were only required adjacent to sleeping areas.
Common Sources of CO in Ontario- Furnaces, wood/gas fireplaces, and hot water heaters.
- Attached garages (running vehicles).
- Portable fuel-burning generators and barbecues.
Symptoms and Safety
CO is known as the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Symptoms of poisoning are often mistaken for the flu (without fever) and include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness (Google)
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