February 16, 2017 - Some Thunder Bay homeowners will sleep a lot safer this year thanks to a donation to Thunder Bay Fire Rescue's SAFE Program from Thunder Bay Hydro that will help purchase combination smoke/CO alarms.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue received a donation of $3,700 for their SAFE program (Smoke/CO Alarms For Everyone). The SAFE program is an assistance-based program for local home owners that require assistance with the acquisition or installation of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. The SAFE program assists homeowners who have financial or physical barriers to ensuring their homes are compliant with the Ontario Fire Code. The SAFE program was originally launched in 2015.

"The SAFE program allows us to help homeowners that require assistance to meet Fire Code regulations within their home," said Fire Chief John Hay. "A working smoke alarm gives you the time needed to safely escape a fire emergency and only a working CO alarm can alert you to the deadly presence of CO."

"As a company, we, at Thunder Bay Hydro, recognize that the foundation of a safe environment is both complex and multi-faceted", said Eileen Dias, Communications and Events Coordinator at Thunder Bay Hydro.  "It takes awareness on everyone's part to work together to identify areas that pose a risk and come up with solutions to mitigate that risk.  We are pleased to sponsor this effort to ensure local families are safer."

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds residents it's the law to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel fired appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. For more information, visit thunderbay.ca/fire.

To request assistance through the SAFE program, contact Thunder Bay Fire Rescue at 625-2103.

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Contact:          Anthony Stokaluk, Public Education Officer - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, 807-625-2802, cell: 807-631-7033 or astokaluk@thunderbay.ca