Severn Fire and Emergency Services teams up with Enbridge Gas Ontario to reduce fire and carbon monoxide deaths through Safe Community Project Zero

Township of Severn Fire and Emergency Services, Enbridge Gas Ontario (Enbridge Gas), 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.

Severn Fire and Emergency Services has received 186 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero–a public education campaign that will provide more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario. 

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 17 years, the program has provided more than 115,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

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. 

“Carbon monoxide alarms play a vital role as a second line of defence against this invisible threat, often called ‘the silent killerʼ,” says Andrew Craig, Supervisor, Operations, Enbridge Gas. “Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”

“Each day, fire departments focus their efforts on educating the public about the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their 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 is a program that not only helps fire departments raise awareness about the legal requirement to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in all Ontario homes but also reinforces the critical role they play in saving lives.”

"Severn Fire and Emergency Services is proud to participate in Safe Community Project Zero. While the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can be devastating, they can be prevented by having all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a licenced contractor every year, and installing carbon monoxide alarms as required that signal an alert when the gas is present,” says Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Services Ritch Lowell. “This is an important program that provides an opportunity to remind our residents that only working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can protect your family and loved ones.”

About Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week takes place every year from November 1 to 7 in Ontario. The goal of this important public safety initiative is to educate the community about the dangers of carbon monoxide — often called the silent killer — and how to stay safe.

This year, Severn Fire and Emergency Services is offering a free combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm to property owners in our community (limit of one free alarm per property), made possible by Safe Community  Project Zero. A limited number of alarms are available. 

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and how to receive a free combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on our Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week page.

About Severn Fire and Emergency Services

Township of Severn provides a range of fire and emergency services to protect life, property, and the environment. We do this through education, prevention, investigation, training, rescue, fire suppression, and basic life support services. Visit severn.ca to learn more.

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 Ontario is Canada’s largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company, 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 Ontario is owned by Enbridge (ENB), a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Visit enbridgegas.com to learn more.

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Media contacts

Tracy Roxborough
Communications Officer, Township of Severn
Phone: 705-325-2315 x249
Email: communications@severn.ca

Maureen Belej, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
Phone: 1-866-379-6668 x4
Email: maureen.belej@firesafetycouncil.com 

Enbridge Gas Media
Email: enbridgegasmedia@enbridge.com