Alarms

Test your smoke alarms every month by using the test button on the alarm. When the test button is pressed, the alarm should sound. If it fails to sound, make sure that the battery is installed correctly or install a new battery. If the alarm still fails to sound, replace the smoke alarm with a new one. Install a new battery at least once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Install a new battery if the low-battery warning sounds or if the alarm fails to sound when tested. Vacuum alarms annually because dust or spiders can clog your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms don't last forever, remember to check their end of life date and replace them immediately.

A message from your Fire Prevention Officer

Click here for more information on smoke alarms

Click here for smoke alarm facts

For more information on smoke alarms, please call a Fire Prevention Officer at 905-227-6412.

• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances in your home are inspected annually. 
• Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked.
• Never use a portable fuel-burning appliance inside (i.e. barbeques, portable heaters and generators).

• Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death.
• If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 911 from outside the building.
• If your CO alarm sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its "end-of-life" before calling 911.

Know the sound of your CO alarm

• Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
• Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end-of-life” warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.

Starting January 1, 2026, new carbon monoxide (CO) alarm requirements are in effect in Ontario. These requirements expand on the existing CO alarm requirements in residential dwellings including houses, multi-unit dwellings, apartments, townhouses, cottages, care occupancies, and other residential accommodations.

In addition to existing CO alarm requirements, CO alarms will now be required if your home is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within your home and CO alarms must now be installed on every storey of the home, including storeys that do not have sleeping areas.

In apartment or condominium units, the new fire code will require a CO alarm if the unit is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within the unit, such as air coming from a furnace in a building service room. The new fire code will also require a CO alarm on every storey of your unit, including storeys that do not have sleeping areas, and in public corridors of the building if the corridors are heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance.

Residents can view the requirements in full by following the links in the "Resources" tab, and are encouraged to contact Thorold Fire and Emergency Services with questions.

Click here for more information from the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Click here for more information on residential home safety.

Click here for more information on apartment and condo safety.

Click here for more information on care occupancy safety.