St. Marys “Got Loud” for Fire Prevention Week

Keeping over 1700 people safer with fire safety education and events  

This year, Fire Prevention Week ran from October 3 to 9 and the St. Marys Fire Department is overwhelmingly pleased with the participation and support from the community.  

The St. Marys Fire Department organized a variety of events and activities, both virtual and in-person. Throughout the week, firefighters distributed over 1700 swag bags that contained important information on learning the sounds of fire safety. They also held a colouring contest to help teach children the different sounds carbon monoxide and smoke alarms make and their meanings.

“Despite this being another unconventional year for Fire Prevention Week, we are very pleased with how many individuals and families we were able to reach with our fire safety messages.” Said St. Marys Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “A real win this year was the addition of the Cindy’s Law Fire Extinguisher Giveaway event where we were able to place 120 fire extinguishers into personal vehicles and collect over $1500 in donations to purchase 50 more fire extinguishers.”

The fire department credits the event’s success to all of the volunteers and sponsors who contributed their time and donations to the event. Retired paramedic Lorne Culbert was instrumental in planning the event. “We had such wonderful support from local businesses.” Said Culbert, “Not only did they help us purchase 120 fire extinguishers for the event, but one company, Perth County Ingredients felt the initiative was so important that they purchased a fire extinguisher for each of their 40 employees’ personal vehicles!”

Sponsors of the event included AllRoads Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Ltd., Ashton Tire Service Ltd., Canadian Tire Corporation, Cascades, Dowler-Karn Ltd., Harris Greig Automotive, Kevin “Bubba” Currah, Perth County Ingredients, Sam’s Home Hardware, the St. Marys Kinsmen, and Subway.

Even though Fire Prevention Week is over, the St. Marys Fire Department continues to encourage residents to test their carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, as well as keep a fire extinguisher in all of their personal vehicles.

Any individuals or organizations that would like to donate to the St. Marys Fire Department or sponsor any future events can contact Fire Chief Anderson at 519-284-2340 ext. 201, or send their contribution to: St. Marys Fire Department, P.O. Box 998, 172 James Street South, St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6.

For more information on fire safety, visit the Town’s website (townofstmarys.com/fire), Facebook page (facebook.com/stmarysontario) and Twitter account (twitter.com/townofstmarys).

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Contact:
Beverly Brenneman, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | bbrenneman@town.stmarys.on.ca