Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, November 1-7: Protect Your Family from the Silent Killer

By Town of St. Marys - Oct 30, 2026

Media Releases

The Town of St. Marys Fire Department is recognizing Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, November 1-7, by encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious illness or death within minutes.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, or charcoal burn incompletely. Common household sources include furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, fuel-burning stoves, attached garages, and portable generators.

"Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because you can't see it, smell it, or taste it," said Phil West, Fire Chief for the Town of St. Marys Fire Department. "The good news is that simple steps, such as installing and maintaining working carbon monoxide alarms and having fuel-burning appliances inspected annually, can help protect your family from this preventable hazard."

Ontario law requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes that contain a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, attached garage, or direct heat from a fuel-burning appliance. Alarms must be installed outside sleeping areas and on every storey of the home where required. Property owners and landlords are responsible for ensuring alarms are installed and maintained in good working order.

The St. Marys Fire Department encourages residents to:

Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
Replace alarm batteries at least once a year, or when the low-battery warning sounds.
Replace carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically every 5 to 10 years.
Have fuel-burning appliances, vents, and chimneys inspected annually by a qualified technician.
Keep outdoor vents clear of snow, ice, leaves, nests, and other debris.
Never use BBQs, camp stoves, propane heaters, or generators indoors, including in garages.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, everyone should move outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit the Town’s website at townofstmarys.com/CO, Facebook page (@st.marys.ontario), or contact Chris St. Clair, Fire Prevention Officer at 519-284-2340 x 301.

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For media inquiries:
Kaleigh Siegner-Robertson, Corporate Communications Coordinator
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | krobertson@town.stmarys.on.ca