In just under a month residential buildings will be required to install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in the province, regardless of the date the building was constructed.  

This came after the province updated its Building Code Regulations (the BCR) back on September 3, 2021, and enforcement will begin on July 1, to allow homeowners and building managers time to install these alarms in their residences.  

Moose Jaw Fire Department Chief Rod Montgomery says it makes sense for CO and smoke alarms to become mandatory in residential homes.  

“It kills people and it injures people,” says Montgomery. “It only makes sense that we have them in each home and all residential buildings, alternative family care homes. Just in general to have those types of devices that early alert, early detection, that will make a difference.”  

CO is an invisible, odourless, poisonous gas that is most often produced when fuel-burning appliances – like furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, stoves, clothes dryers and water heaters – malfunction. 

Exposure to CO may lead to confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, brain damage, and death. Between 2018 and 2020, an average of 1,200 CO incidents were reported annually to SaskEnergy. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service recorded 16 deaths from accidental CO poisoning between 2015 and 2019.

“We always look for zero tolerance, but it can build up in your system over time, so it certainly is something you need to address,” said Montgomery 

When trying to map out where to put each CO alarm, Montgomery notes to place one on every level of your home for maximum coverage.  

“Typically, off the ground, I think the recommendation is five feet from the ground, that way you get the best type of production from your device. Eventually, carbon monoxide will displace air, it’s slightly lighter than air.” 

The province says that in houses with fuel-burning appliances or a garage, detectors must be installed inside each sleeping room or at least 16 feet from the door to each bedroom - this allows residents to hear the alarm during the night.  

They add smoke alarms must be installed in buildings with bedrooms on every floor, between rooms, and inside each bedroom.  

There are many different types of alarms available to suit your circumstances and building layout: hard-wired alarms, 10-year battery-operated alarms, and in the case of CO alarms, ones that can be plugged into your electrical socket. 

CO alarms, smoke alarms, and combination alarms do need to be replaced. Follow the recommended replacement cycle indicated by the manufacturer for your alarm. Alarms nearing the end of their useful life may emit a 'chirp;' or other sounds every minute or so, depending on the manufacturer. The manual that came with your alarm will tell you what you can expect to hear.  

Montogomery adds that in Moose Jaw, the fire department will not be enforcing the new regulations after July 1, it will be more of a passive enforcement.  

“What that means is a building official, if they find an unsafe condition in an apartment building or something similar, they would enforce it.”  

He notes that though they’re not enforcing the new regulations, advisory documents will be issued to general, and alternative family care homes, and multi-unit residential buildings on the updated regulations.  

If someone does detect CO in their home, or their alarm goes off, Montgomery says to get out of the house quickly and then proceed to call 9-1-1.