MFES teams with Enbridge Gas to reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths

MFES is receives 594 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero

MARKHAM, ON – September 12, 2023 – Markham Fire and Emergency Services (MFES), Enbridge Gas Inc., and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) announced they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

MFES is receiving 594 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero – a public education campaign that will provide more than 10,000 alarms to residents in 50 municipalities across Ontario. The alarms will be distributed to vulnerable residents deemed high-risk in Markham. In 2021, MFES received 474 alarms.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $315,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 15 years, the program has provided more than 86,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“Markham is pleased to once again be a part of the Safe Community Project Zero campaign and to receive these lifesaving devices that will be distributed throughout the community to those in need,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Our sincerest thanks and appreciation goes to Enbridge Gas for continuing to invest in this project and providing these devices that prioritize fire safety.”

When properly installed and maintained, 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 a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.

“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 defence for protection. When we implement these strategies together, we protect our loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning, also known as the silent killer,” says Ryan Bugg, Team Lead Construction, GTA East Operations, Enbridge Gas.

“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 Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the FMPFSC. “It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

“We are delighted to be part of the 2023 Safe Community Project Zero campaign which allows us to distribute free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to those who need it the most in our community,” says Fire Chief Chris Nearing, Markham Fire and Emergency Services. “It is the law for all Ontario homeowners to have working smoke alarms on every storey and adjacent to each sleeping area. A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a working smoke alarm is the first key step toward your family’s safety. Thursday, September 28, 2023 is Ontario’s first “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.” As part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, all Ontarians are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety, and home fire escape planning. For resources on these topics please go to savedbythebeep.ca.”

To learn more about Markham Fire & Emergency Services, visit markham.ca/Fire.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti is joined by members of Markham Council, members of Markham Fire and Emergency Services, Enbridge representatives and the Fire Marshals Public Fire Safety Council at an announcement made on Sept. 12, 2023 at Markham's Pan Am Centre.

 

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office: 
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
media@markham.ca

Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council:
Kathy Ash, Campaign Coordinator, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, kathy.ash@firesafetycouncil.com or 866.379.6668 ext. 105 

Enbridge Gas Inc. Media:
enbridgegasmedia@enbridge.com
 

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 353,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

About the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council: The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (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 Twitter @FMPFSC.

About Enbridge Gas Inc.: Enbridge Gas is Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario, with 2023 marking its 175 ^th anniversary of serving customers. The distribution business provides safe, affordable, reliable energy to about 3.9 million customers and is leading the transition to a clean energy future through net-zero emissions targets and investments in innovative low-carbon energy solutions. 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.

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