Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Services (BWGFES) and Enbridge Gas announced on Thursday that they’re partnering together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
BWGFES received 288 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) that will provide more than 8,000 alarms to residents in 50 municipalities across Ontario.
“We are honoured to collaborate with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Enbridge Gas to be able to distribute 288 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within our community,” said BWGFES Chief Brent Thomas. “Distributing the alarms also allows staff the opportunity to engage with residents and further educate on fire safety, which is one of our key mandates in the fire service.”
When installed and maintained, the combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and evidence shows that prevention saves lives,” said Jason McArthur, Manager Operations, GTA East Operations, Enbridge Gas. “We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Over the coming weeks, Chief Thomas and BWGFES will be working with local organizations to distribute the combination alarms to those in need.
“This generous donation will ensure that an additional 288 families across BWG, and their homes, are better protected against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Mayor James Leduc. “We are grateful to Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council for their ongoing commitment to promoting and educating the public on fire safety, and for their investment in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Leduc added, “We look forward to getting out in the community, providing further education and awareness, and gifting this important and potentially life saving piece of equipment to our residents.”