Union Gas supports fire safety programs in Sarnia

$2,500 grant to Fire Rescue Services for electronic fire safety sign

SARNIA, ON, Nov. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping Sarnia Fire Rescue Services spread the word about fire safety in the community through the purchase of an electronic sign, courtesy of a $2,500 grant.

Greg Wagner, Union Gas utility service manager for London/Sarnia presented the cheque to Tom Marshall, public education officer for the Sarnia Fire Rescue Services, at Clifford Hanson Fire Hall in Sarnia, today.

"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 Wagner. "That's why we are so pleased to support the work that Sarnia Fire Rescue Services is doing to improve the safety of Sarnia citizens."

About 6,000 people a year participate in the Sarnia Fire Rescue Services programs including church groups, elementary and high school students, seniors, girl guides, boy scouts, cubs and beavers. The Fire Prevention Division's Safety Trailer provides a hands-on learning environment that helps children plan their escape from a house by either crawling under smoke or going out the window and gathering at a meeting place. This teaches them the importance of having two routes to get to a meeting place and of having working smoke alarms, which can save lives. 

"The primary duty of the Fire Prevention Division is to be proactive in the prevention of fire through public education," said Marshall.  "We thank Union Gas for their generous support of our efforts to improve public safety through education."

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 Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
The Sarnia Fire Rescue Services (SFRS) consists of 131 professionals who serve the residents of the City of Sarnia by providing fire prevention, public education and fire suppression services.  SFRS operate out of five stations covering an area of 168 square kilometres and over 72,000 residents.  SFRS believe that it is our duty to educate residents on means for them to fulfill their responsibilities for their own fire safety.  This is the best way to reduce the incidence of fire.

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]

Sarnia Fire Rescue Services 
Tom Marshall
Public Education Officer
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]