Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NORTH STORMONT – Members of the North Stormont Fire Department will be canvassing local neighbourhoods on Sat., Sept. 19, as part of the department’s Boots on the Ground Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Awareness Campaign.
With Provincial Smoke Alarm Day on the horizon (Sept. 28), it is fitting that Boots on the Ground take place during the month of September 2026.
“Many homes in North Stormont may not have enough alarms, may have alarms that are too old, or may have alarms that are not working,” says the Fire Prevention Team.
“We want residents to understand that working smoke alarms are required on every storey and outside all sleeping areas, and that carbon monoxide alarms are required in applicable homes on every storey and adjacent to each sleeping area. If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is expired, damaged, or not working, it must be replaced.”
The fire department will work with homeowners to help confirm that the required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present, properly located, and working. Since most fatalities happen at night when people are sleeping, knowing what to do when you hear an alarm go off in the middle of the night is the key to getting out safely.
While they are visiting, firefighters will share important tips to keep families safe in emergencies. Keeping your family aware of these safety measures and performing regular checks of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will help keep your household and the community safe.
“Our goal is to make sure our residents are safe. Because your family may have as little as two minutes to escape, early detection is the key to saving lives and this program will provide residents with the resources necessary to assist in that effort,” stated Fire Chief Gauthier.
Graduated from University of Ottawa with a BA in Communications, minor in psychology in 2015. Passionate about sharing stories, supporting businesses/ entrepreneurs. Started in freelance work writing about the crowdfunding industry and worked in marketing prior to writing for Seaway News in 2022/23. Married with three boys, a dog and cat. Enjoys reading and crochet, is a certified yoga instructor. Even though I am from Cornwall, my family enjoys taking day trips in the area and I was born and raised here. I look forward to getting to know North Stormont better and report on community events/highlights, as well as issues that concern residents.
