Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee Fire Service’s smoke alarm exchange program has proven to be popular, with already over 130 outdated models traded for new combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Known as Project Zero, the campaign was made possible through a grant from Enbridge Gas, which provided 204 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Throughout the month of January Greater Napanee Fire has been giving out free alarms to residents who bring in a battery-operated alarm that is older than 10 years.
On Wednesday Greater Napanee Fire invited media to the Napanee station to provide an update on the program while also showcasing some of the older units that had been discarded as part of the program, some dating back to the 1970s.
“It’s a great program and every time we’re giving an alarm to somebody it’s a potential life saver,” said Greater Napanee Fire deputy chief Kevin Duncan. “Even though (older fire alarms) might look like they’re still capable of working, if you push the button and it might still operate, that doesn’t mean it’s going to operate when there’s fire or when there’s carbon monoxide. That’s key for us, the newer technology is more sensitive and the 10-year sealed battery is dynamite because a lot of times we go to calls and the battery is missing or it’s the wrong type of battery. This takes the guesswork out of it.”
When properly installed and in working order, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can provide crucial advance warning to allow occupants to escape a fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
“This program aims to bring the number of residential fire and carbon monoxide deaths to zero and since inception it has distributed more than 76,000 alarms,” said Steven Rogers, eastern region operations manager for Enbridge Gas. “Today Greater Napanee is one of 50 municipalities across Ontario that will receive combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms delivered to local homes.”
Rogers added along with working alarms, it’s recommended to have a licensed contractor inspect all fuel burning appliances once a year.
Residents can bring old alarms to 66 Advance Ave. and trade it in for a new model through Jan. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can also visit the station at 2956 South Shore Road or the Roblin station at 3264 County Rd. 41 on Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.