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.