NEWS RELEASE
Enbridge Gas Distribution Helps the Merrickville Fire Department and the
Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths Through Project Zero
Village of Merrickville-Wolford, ON, July 9, 2018 – Today, Enbridge Gas Distribution, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and the Merrickville Fire Department announced they are partnering to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
The Merrickville Fire Department received 102 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero – a public education campaign that is providing more than 6,600 alarms to residents in 30 Ontario municipalities. This year, Enbridge invested $200,000 in Project Zero.
Since 2009, 34,384 alarms have been provided to Ontario fire departments as part of Project Zero.
When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide the early warning that is needed 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. It is important that all fuel-burning equipment be properly maintained to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Carbon monoxide alarms are recommended as a second line of defense to protect against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“We have proof that prevention saves lives. Knowing this, we remain committed to educating our customers about the importance of installing a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, as well as properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment,” says Jamie LeBlanc, Enbridge Gas Distribution.
“It is essential that Ontarians protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning,” says Ross Nichols, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. “By installing carbon monoxide alarms in their home on every level and adjacent to sleeping areas - residents can help prevent needless tragedies. Project Zero is an invaluable program that helps fire departments educate residents in their community about carbon monoxide alarms.”
“As a community and system partner, Enbridge is committed to the improvement of our local capacity in awareness and understanding of the hazards of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning facing our residents,” says Fire Chief Mark Urquhart. “With a focus on protection and prevention, our citizens can be better prepared to be safer in their own homes. Enbridge’s deep commitment to safety and the utmost respect for our community is to be commended,”
“Enbridge’s commitment to the support of rural right-of-way partners and communities is clearly reflected in their Project Zero and Safe Community programs, demonstrating their ongoing corporate commitment to ensure our communities are safe and vibrant places to live,” says Mayor David Nash.
About the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (Council) is a registered charity established in 1993 with a mission to help create “a world where no one is hurt by fire.” Chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal, and supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, the Council promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety. Follow the Council on Twitter @FMPFSC.
About the Fire Department
The Merrickville Fire Department is comprised of 30 dedicated volunteers that serve the citizens and visitors in Merrickville-Wolford, located on the Rideau Canal 40 minutes south west of Ottawa, and referred to as the “Jewel of the Rideau”. The department covers an area of 213 sq. km, with the Village of Merrickville covering 13 sq. km. The department responds to an average of 80 calls for service annually.
About Enbridge Gas Distribution
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a 170-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution, and has ranked as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the past nine years. Enbridge Gas Distribution distributes natural gas to over two million customers in Ontario.
For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGas.
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For more information, please contact:
Kathy Ash, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
Tel: 1-866-379-6668 ext. 105
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fire Chief Mark Urquhart
1-613-269-4000 Ext. 233
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Akilah Dressekie, Enbridge Gas Distribution
Tel: 1-855-884-5112
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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