Fire Department testing new siren on Friday, May 12, 2023

The St. Marys Fire Department has a new tool for raising the alarm when preparing to attend a call. A siren was installed on the property this week and will be tested this Friday, May 12, 2023.

Tests on the siren will happen from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Municipal and Fire Department staff will be positioned throughout St. Marys to ensure the alarm can be heard throughout town.

Once approved, the siren will be used to alert residents of fire calls that happen between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Firefighters are notified individually using pagers and a mobile app.

“This siren will alert residents in the area that firefighters are responding to an emergency,” says Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “It will be a loud, unmissable reminder to watch for green flashing lights and pull over as firefighters head in and out of the station.”

“We have noticed a significant decrease in drivers’ pulling over for our volunteers since the old siren was disconnected in 2020,” continues Anderson. “We hope the new siren will help change that.”

“Our response time has improved since moving into the new fire hall and as a result of training,” he says. “Having more people pull over will allow us to respond even faster, and in an emergency, every second counts.”

Questions about the new siren can be directed to Anderson at 519-284-2340, ext. 201 or randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca

- 30 -

For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca