| News Release Communiqué |
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TORONTO, Ontario, November 26, 2002
-- In the wake of the tragic multiple fire fatality that killed two young
children last Friday and claimed the life of their mother on Sunday, Fire
Marshal Bernard Moyle is appealing to the public to double-check that their
smoke alarms work.
“Winter is the deadliest time of year – the number of fire deaths and
injuries start to climb significantly in November and December and continue
rising until spring,” Moyle states. “Having working smoke alarms on every
level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas, and knowing two ways
out of all rooms, greatly increases your family’s chance of survival.
“It’s the law to have working smoke alarms in your home and I am pleading
with Ontarians to install smoke alarms and make sure they work. Each death
just reminds me that most fire fatalities can be prevented.
“Never remove batteries from your smoke alarms unless to replace them and
remember to test your smoke alarms once a month.”
Moyle adds: “I’m also reminding landlords that they are required by law to
install smoke alarms in all rental properties and to keep them in working
condition at all times.”
Moyle’s concern comes days after the Office of the Fire Marshal investigated
a fatal fire in Brantford that claimed the lives of the two children and
their mother. The rental home had two battery operated smoke alarms. Neither
of the alarms had batteries.
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For further information contact:
Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178
Rodney Porter, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3120
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