SARAH WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue is reminding the public to make sure fire alarms are in place and in working order. With people spending more time inside during winter, it is more important than ever to stop unnecessary fires from happening.

“We are doing everything we can to prevent the loss of life, but we need your help,” Fire Chief Chad Brown said. “Ensure your alarms are functional and installed properly so everyone has the best chance of escaping a fire without injury or loss of life.”

Earlier this week, the Ontario Fire Marshal confirmed that there were 133 fire deaths in 2022. These preventable fire deaths take an extreme toll on families, communities, and fire fighters, Chief Brown said

All County residents should immediately check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as they are the primary tools to alert occupants to an emergency so they have time to escape a fire.

Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue works throughout the year to educate the public about the importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and escape planning.

Fire & Rescue also enforces the Ontario Fire Code, the fire safety requirements that keep Ontario communities safe.

For more information on the importance of smoke alarms, please see: https://www.thecounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FD2SmokeAlarmFacts.pdf

To learn more about the potential dangers and safety tips for carbon monoxide, please see: https://www.thecounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FD3keepingsafefromthesilentkiller.pdf