Fire departments across Northumberland County are receiving 550 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms valued at nearly $60,000.
The alarms, donated by KIDDE Canada through the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, were presented during Brighton Applefest on Sept. 26. They will be distributed among the county’s seven municipalities through local fire prevention programs.
Fire officials say the donation will help address an ongoing need for working alarms. A recent door-to-door campaign in Trent Hills found nearly 60 per cent of more than 400 homes visited were not compliant with fire safety requirements.
Officials say modern fires can become deadly within minutes, making early warning critical. The alarms are also intended to provide protection from carbon monoxide, an odourless and potentially deadly gas.
The donation comes as officials mark Test Your Smoke Alarm Day on Sept. 28, encouraging residents to test their alarms and ensure they are working properly.
(Richard Evans)
NOTE: Story originally published by Pete Fisher
