Union Gas supports fire safety programs in London

$2,500 grant to Fire Department for Carbon Monoxide Detector Awareness Program

LONDON, ON, Nov. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping the London Fire Department achieve their goal to make London the safest community in Ontario by supporting the Carbon Monoxide Detector Awareness program, courtesy of a $2,500 grant.

"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 Ian Ross, Union Gas district manager for London/Sarnia. "That's why we are so pleased to support the Carbon Monoxide Detector Awareness Program and the work the London Fire Department is doing to improve the safety of the citizens of London."

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can build up in your home when fuel-burning appliances are not functioning or vented correctly.  Undetected, it can cause serious health problems, even death.

The London Fire Department plans to use the detectors in various department activities to heighten awareness regarding the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

"Experience has shown that, while people are becoming more aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide, many homeowners have devices that are past their expiry date or have been incorrectly installed.  Many still do not have detectors at all; yet have fuel-burning appliances in their households," says London's Fire Chief John Kobarda.  "Our goal through this campaign is to provide critical information to the public and put many detectors in London homes, where they belong.  We thank Union Gas for their generous support of this important safety program."

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 London Fire Department
The London Fire Department (LFD) is a full time municipal fire department with over 410 staff delivering fire safety education, prevention services, as well as fire and rescue services.  The LFD protects 366,000 permanent citizens, as well as thousands of students attending the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College.

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 for 2011, 2012 and 2013, 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

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] 

London Fire Department 
Wendy Cowdrey, CMM1
Chief Fire Prevention Officer
London Fire Department
Tel:  [phone] x5222
Website:  www.london.ca/fire