Today, Enbridge Gas Inc. (Enbridge Gas) and Norfolk County Fire Department announced they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
Norfolk County Fire Department received 264 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 14,500 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.
This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 16 years, the program has provided more than 101,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning 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.
“The best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide is to properly maintain fuel-burning equipment,” says Jeremy Reimer, Southwest Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas. “These alarms are a critical second line of defence against carbon monoxide poisoning, known as ‘the silent killer’. We’re proud to support our communities and raise awareness and help Ontarians implement these protection strategies.”
“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,” says John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal and Acting Chair of the FMPFSC. “It’s a program that helps fire departments educate their communities about the requirements to have working smoke alarms installed in all Ontario homes and for all Ontario homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”
“Ensuring our residents have access to working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is one of the most effective ways we can protect our community from preventable tragedies,” says Chief Gord Stilwell, Norfolk County Fire Department. “Thanks to Safe Community Project Zero and Enbridge Gas, we can enhance home safety and provide critical tools to help save lives.”
About Norfolk County Fire Department
The Norfolk County Fire Department is dedicated to ensuring that Norfolk County is a safe place to live, work, and play. Committed to the health and safety of its staff and the community, the department provides exceptional fire and rescue services while enhancing awareness through education and enforcement. The department supports safe communities by offering public education for all ages, fire prevention and inspection services, and by collaborating with partner agencies and community groups. Learn more about the Norfolk County Fire Department at norfolkcountyfire.ca.
About the FMPFSC
The FMPFSC was established in 1993 with a mission to help create “a world where no one is hurt by fire.” Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal, the FMPFSC promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety. Follow the FMPFSC on X @FMPFSC.
About Enbridge Gas
Enbridge Gas is Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario, with 2023 marking its 175th anniversary of serving customers. The distribution business provides safe, affordable, reliable energy to about 3.9 million customers and is innovating to contribute to a lower-carbon energy future. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest integrated underground storage facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Enbridge Gas is owned by Enbridge (ENB), a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Visit enbridgegas.com to learn more.
From left: Fire Chief Gord Stilwell; Deputy Mayor Doug Brunton; Al Duesling, Field Supervisor, Enbridge Gas and Captain of Fire Station 3; Jeremy Reimer, Southwest Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas; Brandon Ronson, Southwest USR Crew Leader, Enbridge Gas, and Volunteer Firefighter Station 6; and Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Smith.
