Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Middlesex Centre is getting 210 combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be distributed throughout the community. The donation was announced at the December 3rd council meeting.
It’s part of an initiative by Enbridge Gas through its Project Zero campaign to provide more than 14,200 alarms to residences in 75 Ontario communities.
“Our goal, along with many others, is to reduce the frequency and the death rate of people who succumb to CO exposure to zero. We’ve made great strides. I don’t know if it will ever happen, but the fingers are crossed. The more publicity we give to CO and smoke, the better,” said Chris Young of Enbridge Gas in a presentation to council.
Carbon monoxide is often called a silent killer, since it’s an odorless but toxic gas that’s a by-product of incomplete combustion of common fuels.
It’s a timely donation, as a new fire code is coming into effect in Ontario on January 1st. “I personally get upset every year when I see we’re still trending with over 30 deaths each year in Ontario from carbon monoxide,” said Jamie Kovacs of the Fire Marshal’s Public Safety Fire Council who was also on hand for the presentation. “It’s not just outside of the sleeping area any more where you have a fuel-burning appliance, it’s on every level. The donation by Enbridge is probably the most perfectly-timed donation,” added Kovacs.
“We’re grateful for this generous donation from Project Zero and for Enbridge’s continued support of this vital safety initiative,” said Middlesex Centre Fire Chief Colin Toth. “These smoke alarms will go to households where they’re needed most, helping protect lives. We remind everyone to install alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly to ensure they’re working properly,” added Toth.
“If we work together, that’s how we make the best progress,” said Mayor Aina DeViet.
