Town of Caledon, Enbridge unveil ‘Project Zero’ initiative

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

Enbridge Gas Inc. and the Town of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services unveiled, on Wednesday (Dec. 18), a new partnership to improve home safety. 

The Town of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services received 198 smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Project Zero.

Project Zero is a public education campaign that provides alarms to residents in 40 municipalities in Ontario. 

“Project Zero is a significant public safety education program with impressive, measurable results. Caledon is fortunate to be included in this partnership and to be able to distribute these carbon monoxide alarms in our public educational outreach safety campaign to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Allan Thompson.

Caledon has always been a strong advocate for the community's safety, and this partnership follows in line with that commitment. 

Chief Darryl Bailey of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services explains the use of the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas if you home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install both smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of your home,” explains Chief Bailey. “We have always prompted public safety through community partnerships like Enbridge Gas and Project Zero is an excellent opportunity to partner with other community agencies to keep our community residents safe.” 

Enbridge Gas Inc. has invested $275,000 in Project Zero this year and has provided over 44,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments in the past 11 years. 

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer' for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poising,” says Operations Manager of Enbridge Gas Inc. Grant Kilpatrick. 

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, hence the reputation as ‘silent killer'. Carbon monoxide is produced when burning wood, propane, gasoline; any type of fuel. 

“The objective of Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who need them most. It's a program that municipal fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel burning appliance or an attached garage,” says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management.