• Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services (WSFES) was awarded 174 new smoke alarms for local distribution.
  • The alarms are part of the Cause for Alarm campaign by Kidde and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
  • Units will be distributed through WSFES’ Home Safe Home program.
  • Working smoke alarms can double survival chances during a house fire, and residents are encouraged to regularly test their detectors.
  • Residents can request a free home inspection from WSFES to ensure compliance with fire safety laws.

 

Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services (WSFES) has received a shipment of new smoke alarms to help local families better protect themselves against fires.

The department was selected as one of 17 fire services across Ontario to participate in the Cause for Alarm campaign, a public safety initiative led by Kidde in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.

WSFES received 174 battery-operated alarms through the program, which will be distributed via its Home Safe Home initiative. In total, more than 1,900 units will be provided to Ontario households through the campaign this year.

Kidde, a major producer of fire safety equipment including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, launched the Cause for Alarm campaign in 2022 to expand access to smoke alarms and fire safety education. The company raises $1 million annually by contributing a portion of its sales to fund alarm donations.

“WSFES is proud to be chosen as a recipient of the Cause for Alarm Campaign. This generous donation will greatly support our community outreach efforts and spread the vital message that only working smoke alarms can save lives in the event of a fire,” Fire Chief Bill Snowball said in a recent press release.

The department is also urging residents to test their alarms regularly, noting that functioning smoke detectors can double the chances of surviving a house fire. According to Kidde, three out of five home fire deaths occur in properties that lack working smoke alarms.

“Modern homes burn very quickly, making smoke alarms the quickest and most effective way to alert you and your family of an emergency,” WSFES states on the Town’s website. “It’s the law that you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.”

Carbon monoxide alarms are also mandatory for homes with attached garages and fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces and water heaters. Residents unsure if they meet alarm requirements can contact WSFES’ Fire Prevention division via email to schedule a free home inspection.

“Every smoke alarm installed means safer homes and stronger communities,” Kidde Canada said in a social media post thanking WSFES for its outreach.

 

Image provided by and used with permission from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville