The City of Vancouver has added an addition to the fire bylaw, making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in residential buildings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

Appliances typically linked to Carbon Monoxide include:

•Furnaces

•Gas clothes dryers

•Gas ranges or ovens

•Gas water heaters

•Gas or wood-burning fireplaces

Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas that is highly poisonous. Common symptoms can look like the flu, and include headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Those asleep or incapacitated may succumb to the poisoning before waking. 

Installing a CO detector is simple. The detectors can be purchased from various retailers across the Lower Mainland, including  Community Fire Prevention. Install the detector away from heat-producing sources, following the package instructions. Make sure to test your detector annually, with your smoke detectors. 

The responsibility to install the detectors is shared between tenants and owners. Vancouver is the third jurisdiction in Canada to make the CO detectors mandatory.

Community Fire Prevention stocks Carbon Monoxide detectors in our storefront at #104-1320 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam. Visit us from 8am-4:30pm for expert help selecting the right CO detector for your home.