Waterdown – Union Gas Limited operating in the Hamilton community will receive a Fire Safety Partner Award from the Fire Marshal of Ontario at a  special ceremony today in Toronto. The annual Fire Safety Awards recognize outstanding contributions to fire protection and prevention in Ontario.

Union Gas Ltd. has been a key sponsor of the Hamilton Emergency Services Alarmed and Ready smoke alarm program. With the support of Union Gas, Hamilton Emergency Services has been able to purchase smoke alarms and batteries to install in many homes in the Hamilton area.

The Alarmed and Ready program was initiated in 2004 to assist residents that are unable to purchase smoke alarms or new batteries. Hamilton Emergency Services provides and installs the smoke alarms free of charge and replaces batteries if necessary. To date, 374 smoke alarms and 92 batteries have been installed in home in the Hamilton area.

“I commend community partnerships such as this.” Said Ted McMeekin, MPP. Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. “Union Gas is to be congratulated for their thoughtful investment for our community.”

“Fire safety and fire prevention are vital to our community, and I applaud the work of Union Gas Ltd. for helping to champion The Alarmed and Ready program here in Hamilton.” added Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP Hamilton Mountain.

“Because of the support of Union Gas Ltd, many families are now safer from fire,” said Fire Marshal Patrick Burke. “Without working smoke alarms, people are at much greater risk for death or injury because they do not receive early warning of fire."

Fire departments throughout the province nominated individuals and organizations for this year’s awards; 17 recipients were selected.

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For further information, please contact

Ted McMeekin, MPP 905-690-6552

Sophia Aggelinitis MPP 905-388-9734