Union Gas helps Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services improve website, provide fire safety education, tips and more

$2,000 grant will help to improve the safety of Chatham-Kent residents

CHATHAM-KENT, ON, Aug. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping the Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services fight fires through education, courtesy of a $2,000 grant awarded today to support the department's website.

Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services is trying to reach as many residents as possible to educate them about the importance of having working fire alarms in their homes and a family home escape plan. Through its website (ckfire.com), the fire department is targeting residents of all age groups to get out a comprehensive message about the risks and causes of fires.  At the beginning of 2012, the department's social media sites were linked with the website, allowing more citizens to be reached, especially the demographic who choose Twitter and Facebook as communication tools.

"A passionate commitment to safety is central to our business culture and operations. It is one of our core values, and part of everything we do from ensuring our pipeline system is in safe operating condition at all times, to supporting important safety initiatives in the communities we serve," said Lia Squires, Union Gas utility services manager, who presented the $2,000 cheque to Assistant Fire Chief Rick Arnel and Barb Dawson, public and life safety educator and media relations, at CKFD Station 1 today.  "That's why we are so pleased to support the CKFD website and the work the department does to improve the safety of citizens of Chatham-Kent."

"Our website gives us a comprehensive and widespread platform through which to deliver fire safety messages using text, video, photos and linked documents," said Dawson.  "With corporate allies such as Union Gas, Chatham-Kent communities can only grow stronger, and all citizens who live, work and play in Chatham-Kent will reap the benefits.  Union Gas' partnership in this initiative is invaluable to us."

Over the past 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services
The Chatham-Kent Fire Department provides service to a population of 107,341 and service area of 2,500 square kilometers through a composite department structure. The department operates 19 fire stations. There are two full-time stations, one composite station and 16 volunteer stations. There is a front-line staff component of approximately 400.

Amalgamated in 1998, the Chatham-Kent Fire Department brought together firefighters from 23 communities, working together to provide a seamless delivery of high quality service to the public. Each station is involved in supporting their community and the firefighters from each station make contributions of time and effort at emergencies, local events, and public education venues throughout the year.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas, named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACTS:

Chatham- Kent Fire & Emergency Services
Barb Dawson, Public and Life Safety Educator and Media Relations
Ph: 519.436.3270
[email protected]

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass, Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]