Carbon monoxide detectors are now mandatory in homes with a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage.
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs says 11 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.
“You can't see it, taste it, or smell it,” said Barrie Fire Prevention Officer Samantha Hoffman. “We know the way we're building homes today that the stuff we're putting inside puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning--it's the silent killer.”
Smoke alarms, however, have been mandatory since 2006.
CO detectors need to be installed outside of rooms where people sleep.
Home Hardware employee Rob Markham suggests homes should have one on every floor.
“They should be on every floor--especially a floor where there are combustibles like a gas furnace, gas stove, fireplace … if you burn something in your house you should have a CO detector.”
An average carbon monoxide detector costs between $20 and $90, and lasts usually around 10 years if maintained.
