Knock, knock! Fire crews are coming to your door this summer

Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is proud to launch its ninth annual Stay Fire Smart campaign running now until August 31. Fire crews are visiting neighbourhoods in Newmarket and Aurora throughout the summer to educate residents on the importance of having and practicing a home escape plan and to remind them that it is the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey and carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas in a home.

"The best way to attack a fire is to prevent it which starts with public education,” says CYFS Fire Chief Ian Laing. “There are steps we can all take today to better prepare ourselves and loved ones to act when the time counts in a fire emergency. The Stay Fire Smart campaign is an opportunity to speak one on one with our community and to have a direct impact to improve fire safety home by home.

Fire crews will travel door-to-door to talk with residents about how to best be prepared in case of an emergency, like a fire or a flood, and provide them with the option of receiving a free home inspection.

The Stay Fire Smart Campaign began in the summer of 2013 with the goal of visiting every home in Newmarket and Aurora over a five-year period. CYFS has made over 73,249 public education house calls across both communities to date, reaching every household at least once. New this year, CYFS has added two additional Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists to further spread the fire safety message.

Residents can request a free fire safety home inspection by calling 905-895-9222. Smoke Alarm Specialists will check batteries, replace alarms, answer questions and offer assistance. In addition to home visits, the Smoke Alarm Campaign Specialists will be out in the community at events. Be sure to say hello!

For more information on Central York Fires Services, please visit cyfs.ca.