GRAND VALLEY – On Nov. 4, Enbridge Gas Ontario and the Grand Valley and District Fire Department worked together to improve home safety and attempt to bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
The fire department received 114 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero – a public education campaign with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council that will provide more than 14,200 alarms to 75 communities across Ontario.
This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide, a toxic, odourless gas, is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killer,’” said Michael Nash, Enbridge Gas supervisor operations in a press release.
“Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”
Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg stated, “Each day, fire departments focus their efforts on educating the public about the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their home.
“The objective of Safe Community Project Zero, is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most. It is a program that not only helps fire departments raise awareness about the legal requirement to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in all Ontario homes, but also reinforces the critical role they play in saving lives.”
Fire Chief Justin Foreman stated, “We’re incredibly grateful for this grant, which allows us to distribute 114 smoke and carbon monoxide alarm units to our community.
“These devices are life-saving tools that help us prevent tragedies before they happen.”
