Clearview fire department distributes alarms during Project Zero

The Clearview Fire Department has received 376 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as part of Project Zero.
In partnership with Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council they are working to bring the number of fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.
“This is an excellent opportunity to work with our safety partners and enhance our smoke alarm and carbon monoxide program. Early detection is key and this program will be a valuable initiative to achieve this,” said Clearview Township Fire Chief Colin Shewell.
Locally, the fire department will install the alarms for those who need assistance. The devices can also be picked up at the hub.
During the campaign, more than 4,500 alarms are being provided to residents in 15 municipalities in Ontario. Enbridge invested $100,000 this year in Project Zero.
The alarms will be distributed to homes in neighbourhoods where the number of residential fires and fire-related deaths and injuries have been higher than average.
“Safety is our top priority at Enbridge, and we’re committed to helping ensure there are no deaths in Ontario due to carbon monoxide exposure,” said Enbridge Gas director of construction Frank Smith. “Educating customers about the importance of installing a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm and properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment is an ongoing priority.”
Since 2009, Project Zero has been launched in 64 Ontario communities.
“Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are critical life safety devices. They detect the presence of smoke and deadly gas and provide those precious seconds for occupants to escape. Everyone needs to have them in their homes,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Ted Wieclawek.
In Ontario, it is the law that every home must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. While regulations on Bill 77 – the Hawkins Gignac Act, which gives the government the authority to make having a carbon monoxide detector mandatory – have not yet been finalized, a carbon monoxide detector is highly recommended by the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, when properly installed and maintained, 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.
The hub is located at 6993 Highway 26, in Stayner.
People can call the fire department if they need assistance with the installation of the alarms. Call 705-428-4355.
The department has until Nov. 15 to distribute all of the devices.