Loyalist Township emergency services and Enbridge Gas announced a partnership this week that will look to reduce fire and carbon monoxide related deaths in the area. Through a program funded by Enbridge Gas, the township received 198 combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The goal of Enbridge Gas' Safe Community Project Zero  is to completely eliminate the number of fire and carbon monoxide related deaths in Ontario. This year, Enbridge Gas invested $315,000 into the program, and will provide more than 10,000 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to residents in 50 municipalities across the province. Over the past 15 years, the program has provided more than 86,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments. The alarms are delivered in part by the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC.)

Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC, Jon Pegg explains the importance of the program. “Across Ontario there is a renewed focus on the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most.” said Pegg.

Enbridge Gas noted their responsibility as a fuel company to help provide better strategies for protection. Eastern Region Supervisor Construction at Enbridge Gas, Michelle Rogers spoke about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. “Properly maintaining fuel burning equipment is the best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide, and an alarm is a critical second line of defense for protection. When we implement these strategies together, we protect our loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning.” said Rogers.

Currently, there is a province-wide requirement for all homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Loyalist Township's own 'Wake Up Loyalist' program will help provide the alarms for residents.

The Wake Up Loyalist program is a home fire-prevention program available to all residents. It focuses on public education and awareness. The program sees firefighters going door-to-door and checking on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They ensure they're properly installed, working, and that the home has a fire escape plan. Printed information is also provided to each home visited.

“As part of our Wake Up Loyalist program, we will be able to provide these alarms free of charge, focusing on individuals in our community who are identified by our department as high-risk.” said Fire Chief Fred Stephenson.

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