- The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu without the fever.
- CO is odourless, colourless and tasteless.
- The average home in Ontario as four to six fuel-burning appliances that produce CO.
- CO alarms are now mandatory in all homes across Ontario and should be installed on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
- 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.
Public Education Programs
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services provides public education programs, hall tours, safety lectures and fire safety training to families, community groups, clubs, schools and businesses.
- Learn more about Fire Prevention Week
Alarmed For Life Program
Seasonally, firefighters go door-to-door delivering the Alarmed for Life Program. The program is designed to make sure each home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required by law. We will ask you a series of questions; participation in the program is voluntary.
We will also provide you with information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and home escape planning.
If requested, firefighter prevention staff can assess your home's basic fire safety.
If you would like more information about our Alarmed for Life Program, contact Fire Prevention at 905-623-5126 ext. 2808.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week
Ontario's annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs the first week of November each year.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly. It's produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbecues, portable heaters and generators or vehicles.
- Ensure all fuel-burning appliances and vents in your home are inspected annually. Find a registered contractor at COsafety.ca.
- Install a CO alarm on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Test CO alarms every month by pressing the test button.
If your CO alarm sounds and you or others suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency services number from outside the building. You may not always be aware that you have CO poisoning; you may feel tired and chalk it up to just a long day. As a precaution, if your CO alarm sounds and you are not sure if you're suffering from CO poisoning, dial 911. This may help save your life. Always make sure the battery on your CO alarm is replaced and that the alarm itself has not reached its "end-of-life."
Community fire safety programs
Our Public Education team offers a wide range of fire safety programs customized for community groups and businesses.
If you would like our Fire Prevention Team to your visit your school or business, or if you would like a Fire Station Tour, please fill out the Public Education Request Form.
Portable fire extinguisher training
Portable fire extinguisher training is available to Clarington families, groups, clubs, schools and businesses. Participants will learn the various classes of fire, methods of extinguishing a fire and using a portable fire extinguisher.
For more information on portable fire extinguisher training, contact a member of our Public Education team at 905-623-5126 ext. 2808.
The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C)
Playing with fire and starting a fire are extremely dangerous behaviours that can result in tragedy.
TAPP-C is a program for youth who have played with fire or set fires, including playing with matches or lighters, burning paper or garbage, performing lighter "tricks," intentionally setting fire to buildings, or making bombs.
It is an evidence-based collaborative program that involves fire service and mental health professionals working together to ensure that all youth are educated and have the best chance possible for a safe and healthy future.
For more information on TAPP-C, contact a member of our Public Education team at 905-623-5126 ext. 2808.
Contact Us
Address: 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6
Phone: 905-623-3379
TTY: 1-844-790-1599
