Hamilton/Halton Gatekeepers Program to Receive Fire Safety Award

TORONTO, June 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Hamilton/Halton Gatekeepers Program will receive a Fire Safety Award from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council at a ceremony on June 19, 2014 in Toronto. The annual Fire Safety Awards recognize outstanding contributions to fire protection and prevention in Ontario.

The Hamilton/Halton Gatekeepers Program provides intervention and support to seniors living in situations where hoarding is involved. The program is offered through the Catholic Family Services of Hamilton and is funded by the Region of Halton. It is accessible to everyone regardless of faith, gender, sexual orientation or age.

The program works in partnership with the fire departments of Halton Region, including Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills. Hoarding is of particular concern to fire services as it can present an extreme risk to occupants, neighbours and firefighters. Clients of the Gatekeepers Program are assisted in accessing support services to help them reduce clutter, to remove items that are close to ignition sources and to clear materials blocking exits. The goal is to help the client achieve a safe and healthy environment that will enhance their quality of life.

"Through their work to prevent fires in situations where hoarding is involved, Hamilton/Halton Gatekeepers is the only organization in the region that delivers this essential service," said Ted Wieclawek, Chair, Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council. "I hope the success of the program will encourage other areas in Ontario to adopt a similar model."

The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors in this event: TD Bank Group, Toronto Blue Jays, Union Gas Limited/ A Spectra Energy Company, Technical Standards & Safety Authority - TSSA, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. Proctor & Gamble Inc., Electrical Safety Authority, CSA Group, The Co-operators Group, Kidde Canada Inc., Roxul Inc. and The Home Depot.

SOURCE: Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council

Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, [phone] [email protected]