In the coming weeks, Guelph residents might see a firefighter at their door, but it won’t be for an emergency.
The firefighters are starting an educational initiative aimed at helping people understand how to protect themselves from fires and carbon monoxide, as well as what actions to take during emergencies.
Matt Valeriote, the city’s chief fire prevention officer, explained that this campaign follows a tragic year in 2024 when seven fire-related deaths occurred in the city.
“That’s pretty much unheard of in a city our size,” he told .
“Public fire safety education is extremely important in reducing risk and we consider it, what’s called the first line of defence in preventing fires and saving lives.”
According to Ontario law, every home must have working smoke alarms installed on each level and outside all sleeping areas. Additionally, since January 1 of this year, homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are required to have functioning carbon monoxide alarms.
WATCH | Go shopping for a carbon monoxide detector with the Kitchener fire department:
How to choose the right carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide detectors must now be present on every floor of a home in Ontario. If you’re unsure which one to purchase, CBC K-W’s Joe Pavia visited a Home Hardware store in Kitchener with Franz Tschoegl from the Kitchener Fire Department. Tschoegl emphasized that buyers should check for proper certification standards on products.
One incident from 2024 led to fines for landlords and one individual was jailed earlier this year. This fire resulted in two fatalities at a rental property near Edinburgh Road S. and Wilsonview Avenue because there were no working smoke alarms when the blaze broke out on March 11, 2024.
After sentencing was handed down to the landlords, Jennifer Charles from the city’s legal services stated that it’s rare for individuals to be imprisoned for fire safety violations.
“We hope the decision will serve as public education, showing other property owners the importance of fire prevention and life safety measures, and the seriousness of their legal obligations under the fire code,” Charles said.
Before launching their door-to-door educational efforts, Guelph Fire Chief Steven Goode expressed his hope that residents will take some time to ask questions about any information they may need.
“Fire safety starts at home,” Goode said.
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How to choose the right carbon monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide detectors must now be present on every floor of a home in Ontario. If you’re unsure which one to purchase, CBC K-W’s Joe Pavia visited a Home Hardware store in Kitchener with Franz Tschoegl from the Kitchener Fire Department. Tschoegl emphasized that buyers should check for proper certification standards on products.
One incident from 2024 led to fines for landlords and one individual was jailed earlier this year. This fire resulted in two fatalities at a rental property near Edinburgh Road S. and Wilsonview Avenue because there were no working smoke alarms when the blaze broke out on March 11, 2024.
After sentencing was handed down to the landlords, Jennifer Charles from the city’s legal services stated that it’s rare for individuals to be imprisoned for fire safety violations.
“We hope the decision will serve as public education, showing other property owners the importance of fire prevention and life safety measures, and the seriousness of their legal obligations under the fire code,” Charles said.
Before launching their door-to-door educational efforts, Guelph Fire Chief Steven Goode expressed his hope that residents will take some time to ask questions about any information they may need.
“Fire safety starts at home,” Goode said.
What to expect from a visit
If firefighters come knocking at your door, they’ll carry informational pamphlets or sheets. Valeriote mentioned they’ll be wearing their firefighter uniforms but won’t ask to enter your home. The visits will happen during these times: Monday to Friday between 6 p. m. and 9 p. m. On weekends from 9 a. m. to 11 a. m. and again from 1 p. m. to 9 p. m. The plan is for this campaign to run until October’s end so it also reaches students returning for university in fall. “This program is totally voluntary. If they don’t want to answer their doors, they don’t have to answer their doors,” Valeriote said. “If they don’t want to ask questions, we will just generally provide them with fire safety information. We’re going to be focusing on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire escape planning in the home-all crucial aspects mandated by law that help reduce fires along with injuries or deaths related.” He added that they’re hoping this effort will strengthen community connections between firefighters and residents while allowing them better insight into community needs and trends.Source link
