Fire department visits begin Thursday

Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM, LJI.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Cobourg

Residents of Cobourg's downtown core will be visited by members of the Cobourg Fire Department on a fire-safety education blitz.

The Town of Cobourg advises residents of the Cobourg Fire Department's fire-safety education program that begins Thursday.

Over the coming weeks, this will involve door-to-door visits of residences in the downtown core to promote fire safety and ensure that working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are in place. They will also share tips on creating and practicing a home-escape plan.

These two things “significantly increase your chances of survival in the event of a fire or emergency,” Fire Chief Ellard Beaven said in the announcement.

“These visits are an opportunity for us to connect with residents, address any concerns and provide valuable life-saving education.”

Ontario law requires smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required for homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages.

The Cobourg Fire Department encourages all the town's residents to test these alarms monthly, replace them according to manufacturers' instructions, and develop a home-escape plan that has two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place outside.

For more information on fire safety, contact the fire department at 905-372-9789.