While you're out shopping for Christmas presents this holiday season, you may want to pick up a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm for yourself and your loved ones.
Starting January 1, 2026 the law in Ontario will require CO alarms on every storey of a home with fuel burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages.
Sarnia Fire Rescue Public Education Officer Mike Otis said right now, the alarms are only required outside sleeping areas.
"I think it's a good thing because, the more protection the better," said Otis. "Just because our bedrooms are usually on the top floor, I mean who hasn't fallen asleep on their couch in the basement or living room before? It's good to have protection everywhere."
CO poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in Canada.
Otis said on average, the Sarnia fire department responds to about 200 CO alarm calls every year.
"They're not always a real emergency, but you never know until we get there," he said. "we have our detectors and we check for you. Just never hesitate to call 911, and we can make sure if there's an issue or not."
Otis said the fine for not having a working smoke or CO alarm is $360.
"The key thing is we preach education over enforcement, we're not out there to get people we just want to make sure everybody is safe."
Otis said it's also a good idea to test CO alarms monthly, and replace the alarms every ten years.
