Brighton Fire and Rescue is getting a boost to help save lives and strengthen public education and fire safety in the community.
Help is coming through a team-up with Enbridge Gas Ontario and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon-monoxide-related deaths down to zero, officials have announced.
Through the “Safe Community Project Zero” public education campaign, more than 14,200 alarms are getting to residents in 75 communities across Ontario. Through the initiative, Brighton Fire and Rescue has got 168 combination smoke and CO alarms. This year, Enbridge invested $450,000 in the project.
“Brighton Fire and Rescue is proud to participate in Safe Community Project Zero,” said Chief Gene Thompson. “Only working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can give you and your family the early warning needed to safely escape a fire or carbon monoxide emergency in your home.”
Carbon monoxide can be deadly – it’s a toxic, odourless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels, explained officials.
“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat often called ‘the silent killer,” added Mike Cooney, supervisor of operations with Enbridge Gas. “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.”
Fire Marshal Jon Pegg, who also serves as FMPFSC chair, said the objective of the Safe Community Project Zero campaign is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most. The program also helps fire departments raise awareness about legal requirements around having working smoke and CO alarms installed in all Ontario homes – but also reinforces the critical role they play in saving lives, continued Pegg.
The safety council was originally established back in 1993 with a mission to help create a world where no one is hurt by fire. It serves to promote fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships in the interest of public safety.
Over the last 17 years, through the Safe Community Project Zero initiative, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
Brighton Fire and Rescue responds to an average of 475 calls for service per year, including CO alarm calls.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
