Changes are coming to the Ontario Fire Code next year, and the Stratford fire department will enforce them.
Starting Jan. 1, carbon monoxide alarms will be required for every level of a household, including ones that don’t have a sleeping area.
Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief Neil Anderson said this is a fantastic change for the better.
“This will enhance life-safety and protection for all inhabitants of Stratford as it adds an extra level of protection to each home you or visitors may have to stay at,” said Anderson.
He said the current code indicates that you have to have a CO alarm/detector outside designated sleeping areas.
“You could be cooking with a gas fireplace/stove in a kitchen area, fall asleep in the living room, and just because there’s no bedroom on that floor, you will not have any carbon monoxide gas detected or hear the detector sound before you go to sleep,” said Anderson.
Anderson said that a lot of fuel-burning appliances are located in basements and having a detector there could be a great early warning device for residents.
Local fire inspectors will enforce and educate.
You’re asked to get alarms that have a CSA or ULC-compliant sticker on them.
