Home Depot Midland Store #7247 to receive Fire Safety Award

TORONTO, June 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Home Depot Midland Store #7247 will receive a Fire Safety Award from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council at a ceremony on June 12, 2013 in Toronto. The annual Fire Safety Awards recognize outstanding contributions to fire protection and prevention in Ontario.

Over the past several years, the Home Depot store in Midland has hosted Fire Safety Days during Fire Prevention Week in October. It provides an opportunity for firefighters to interact with community members including families, to answer fire safety queries and lend a hand to children as they build their own wooden fire trucks with materials donated by the store.

Last year, the Midland Fire Department decided to stage a side-by-side burn cell demonstration on the effectiveness of residential sprinklers. The fire department approached the Home Depot in Midland and asked if they would be willing to assist. The store was receptive to the idea and generously donated materials, labour, set-up of the burn cells and the use of their parking lot.

The impactful demonstration provided the fire department with the opportunity to increase public awareness about the effectiveness of residential sprinklers, as well as the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire escape planning.

"By continuing to work with the Midland Fire Department, the Home Depot Midland has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing fire safety in the community," said Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair, Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.  "Their cooperation and enthusiasm has greatly enhanced the fire department's ability to get important messages to those who need it most."

The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors in this event: Technical Standards and Safety Authority, The Co-operators Group, Kidde Canada Inc., Home Depot of Canada Inc., Proctor & Gamble Inc., Electrical Safety Authority, CSA Group, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc., Roxul Inc. and Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada.

SOURCE: Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council

Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138