Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
June 30, 2014
Enhancing Fire Protection for Residents
Phase Two of Alarmed and Ready NL a Success
The Alarmed and Ready challenge NL has proven to be a great success with the conclusion of phase two of the initiative. The fire safety and public awareness campaign was first piloted in 2012 and is a partnership between the Provincial Government, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services.
“I would like to congratulate and thank the individuals and organizations that helped make the second phase of the Alarmed and Ready challenge NL a tremendous success. There is no question that smoke alarms save lives and the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home cannot be overstated – it’s the law. It is through the Alarmed and Ready program that fire departments and volunteers throughout our province have visited over 7,000 homes to spread this life saving message.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador
In September 2013, the Provincial Government announced the launch of the second phase of the Alarmed and Ready challenge NL. Residents in over 50 communities in various parts of the province were encouraged to install smoke alarms in their homes or change the batteries in their existing alarms.
"A properly working smoke alarm is the best early warning system that alerts people to the danger and destruction that fire can cause. The Alarmed and Ready NL challenge has accomplished just what it set out to do – share the simple message that smoke alarms save lives. Thanks to the enthusiasm, support and commitment of local communities and fire partners, the message was delivered loud and clear. IBC is very proud of the work we have accomplished with our partners in fire safety on this important initiative.”
- Amanda Dean, Regional Vice-President, Insurance Bureau of Canada
Funded by a $15,000 contribution from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Alarmed and Ready program distributed over 4,000 smoke alarms and 2,500 batteries to residents in approximately 140 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The fire services of this province gratefully acknowledge this important partnership and investment in home fire safety. The Alarmed and Ready campaign provides an effective tool for our firefighters to provide important community outreach regarding the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire safety.”
- Vince MacKenzie, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services
Phase two of the Alarmed and Ready challenge NL was administered in part by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, which distributed smoke alarms and batteries to over 100 fire departments throughout the province. Once received, members of the fire departments visited homes to engage and educate residents about the legal responsibility to have a working smoke alarm on all levels and in all sleeping areas of a home, cottage or cabin.
QUICK FACTS
- Through phase two of the Alarmed and Ready challenge NL, firefighters visited over 7,000 homes in approximately 140 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- More information about the Alarmed and Ready program can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/fes/alarmed_and_ready.html
- It is the legal responsibility of residents to have a working smoke alarm on all levels and in all sleeping areas of a home, cottage or cabin.
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Media contacts:
| Kelly Maguire Manager of Communications Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 kellymmaguire@gov.nl.ca |
Vince MacKenzie President Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services 709-489-6441 firechief@grandfallswindsor.com |
| Erin Norwood Advisor, Community and Stakeholder Relations Insurance Bureau of Canada (Atlantic) 902-429-2730 ext. 226 enorwood@ibc.ca |
2014 06 30 12:10 p.m.