Gord Perks City Councillor, Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park

Last week Toronto Fire Chief William Stewart along with teams of fire inspectors – in uniform and carrying proper identification – took to the streets in the city’s west end Tuesday to begin a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm inspection program.

The inspection began at 201 Westminster Ave., but inspections were also conducted on Geoffrey Street and Grenadier Road.

As a response to the many residential fire fatalities in Toronto this year, Toronto Fire Services launched Project Zero, the first program of its kind in the city. Fire inspectors will go door-to-door ensuring that

– there are working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas

– there is at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed in every home equipped with fuel burning appliances

– homeowners are provided with the necessary information to help keep their homes and families safe by having and practicing a home escape plan.

In Ontario, it is the law that every dwelling unit must have a properly maintained smoke alarm installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas. As a part of Project Zero, homeowners who have not installed smoke alarms will be issued a notice of violation and must comply within seven days.

Project Zero is supported by Enbridge Gas Distribution, which has donated $20,000 toward the purchase of 550 combination carbon monoxide/smoke alarms

Please take a moment to make sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are properly maintained.