The Merrickville Fire Department has over 100 smoke alarms to give out thanks to Enbridge Gas Distribution. The department partnered with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Enbridge to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide related deaths down to zero. The funds to buy the smoke alarms came from Project Zero, which is a public education campaign that is giving 6,600 alarms to residents in 30 municipalities across Ontario. Fire Chief Mark Urquhart says Enbridge has helped the department with other projects.
Residents can access the smoke alarms, which will be given to people in need, at no cost. The Merrickville Fire Department will be going door-to-door in the village in October to make sure people have smoke alarms in place. If people need a smoke alarm, contact the department directly by calling 613-269-4000 or stop by the municipal office. Urquhart says Enbridge is a valuable partner.
Enbridge also donated $8,000 to the department for the Utility Vehicle used to access remote, rural areas. Smoke alarms have to be replaced every 10 years and the batteries need to be changed every six months.