Furnace Safety: Gas Smell & Carbon Monoxide

Gas odour: leave first

If you smell gas, evacuate the building. Avoid switches, electrical equipment, flames and other ignition sources. Make calls after reaching a safe location. Call 911; Enbridge Gas also publishes its emergency line, 1-866-763-5427. Do not stay inside to find the leak or rely on the absence of a carbon monoxide alarm. Natural gas and carbon monoxide are different hazards.

Carbon monoxide alarm: get to fresh air

If a CO alarm sounds, leave immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not try to identify the source. Return only after emergency responders or the appropriate qualified professional have determined it is safe. Carbon monoxide cannot be identified by smell. Do not use an outdoor generator, barbecue or outdoor fuel-burning heater inside a home or garage.

Routine safety preparation

Follow appliance and alarm instructions, including replacement and testing guidance. Have fuel-burning equipment inspected by a qualified contractor. Keep visible vent openings free of obstruction without dismantling the system. Questions about Ontario installation requirements should be checked with current official guidance or the local fire department; this page does not present a complete code checklist.

Official resources