On July 13, Enbridge Gas Distribution, the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and Brampton Fire and Emergency Services announced they are partnering to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
Brampton Fire received 762 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero - a public education partnership between Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Fire Marshal's Public Safety Council that is providing more than 6,600 alarms to residents in 30 Ontario municipalities. On hand were (front row from left) Brampton Councillor Doug Whillans, Brampton Fire Chief Bill Boyes, Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey, Fire Protection Officer John Doucet from the Office of the Fire Marshal, Sparky, Enbridge Field Manager Grant Kilpatrick, and Brampton Councillor Jeff Bowman (back row).
Brampton Fire received 762 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero - a public education campaign that is providing more than 6,600 alarms to residents in 30 Ontario municipalities. This year, Enbridge invested $200,000 in Project Zero. Since 2009, 34,384 alarms have been provided to Ontario fire departments as part of Project Zero.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning that is needed to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels. It is important that all fuel-burning equipment be properly maintained to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Carbon monoxide alarms are recommended as a second line of defense to protect against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"We have proof that prevention saves lives. Knowing this, we remain committed to educating our customers about the importance of installing a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, as well as properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment," says Grant Kilpatrick, Enbridge Gas Distribution.
"It is essential that Ontarians protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning," says Ross Nichols, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council. "By installing carbon monoxide alarms in their home on every level and adjacent to sleeping areas - residents can help prevent needless tragedies. Project Zero is an invaluable program that helps fire departments educate residents in their community about carbon monoxide alarms."
"As a result of this great program, we have the opportunity to provide more smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Brampton residents," says Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey. "We know they save lives and the safety of our residents is a priority for Brampton Fire and for the City."
"We're grateful to Enbridge and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council for this generous donation of life-saving alarms," says Brampton Fire and Emergency Services Chief Bill Boyes. "Our crews will be able to distribute these to homes that need them as they reach out into our communities, and we've identified some potentially higher-risk and vulnerable groups through our "hot zone" program as other recipients for these alarms."
About the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council
The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council (Council) is a registered charity established in 1993 with a mission to help create "a world where no one is hurt by fire." Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal, and supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, the Council promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety. Follow the Council on Twitter @FMPFSC .
About Brampton Fire and Emergency Services
Brampton is a vibrant, diverse and growing community, and Brampton Fire and Emergency Services has a long tradition of exceptional service to its community. Tracing its roots back to Brampton's first Fire Brigade in 1853, the department has more than 150 years of proud and innovative service to the City and residents of Brampton. The department is recognized as a leader in fire services, bringing new initiatives, training, tactics and technology that help protect lives and property.
About Enbridge Gas Distribution
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a 170-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution, and has ranked as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the past nine years. Enbridge Gas Distribution distributes natural gas to over two million customers in Ontario. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGas.
