As part of Safe Community Project Zero (SCPZ), the East Hawkesbury Fire Department (EHFD) received 84 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on December 5 through a partnership with Enbridge Gas. These alarms will be distributed to residents during upcoming home fire safety visits conducted by the EHFD.
SCPZ received a $450,000 investment from Enbridge Gas this year to provide more than 14,500 alarms to residents across 75 communities in Ontario. By providing early warning alarms, SCPZ aims to reduce fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths to zero.
The public education campaign and safety initiative has also been developed through the work of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC). For over 16 years, the program has provided more than 101,000 alarms to fire departments across the province.
“We received 84 of these combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as part of the initiative at no cost. Qualifying individuals, that is, those demonstrating financial need, will be able to receive one of the alarms to be installed in their residence,” EHFD Fire Chief Bryce Luker stated.
With proper installation, these alarms can provide early warnings and encourage individuals to safely escape in the event of an emergency where smoke or carbon monoxide has been detected. Carbon monoxide is significantly dangerous as it is an odourless and toxic gas. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion of common fuels and is often called a silent killer.
“The Council is very excited to get these,” East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby said.
“We ultimately want to see our residents safe from the hazards of fire and carbon monoxide. By provincial law, everyone needs to have a working smoke detector on each floor of a residential unit and at least one carbon monoxide detector where fuel-burning appliances are kept and operating. Community safety is our end goal, and we always pursue this,” Luker concluded.