Markham receives 594 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero

Sept. 12, 2023, Markham, Ont. – Markham Fire and Emergency Services has received 594 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero, a public education campaign that is expected to provide more than 10,000 alarms to residents in 50 municipalities across Ontario.

The alarms are expected to be distributed to vulnerable residents deemed high-risk, the city said in a press release. In 2021, Markham received 474 alarms.

“We are delighted to be part of the 2023 Safe Community Project Zero campaign which allows us to distribute free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to those who need it the most in our community,” said Fire Chief Chris Nearing. “It is the law for all Ontario homeowners to have working smoke alarms on every storey and adjacent to each sleeping area. A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death.”

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms would provide the early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.

“Across Ontario there is a renewed focus on the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver these alarms to areas where they are needed most,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $315,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 15 years, the program has provided more than 86,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.