Enbridge provided more than $12,000 to help support fire safety education in Durham Region.

1. Grill Safely

Get ready for BBQ season before you make your first tasty meal. At the start of the season, be sure to check hoses for leaks. Make sure your grill is clean and in a safe location that’s not too close to your house or trees. Before you light up the grill, make sure kids and pets are a safe distance away. Always wait a few minutes before relighting your grill if the flame goes out and remember if you smell gas, call for help. 

2. Know Before You Burn

Did you know: wood-burning outdoor fire pits are not permitted under the Town of Whitby's Fires By-law because embers can ignite property and plants. Propane and natural gas fire tables are okay. Learn more. 

3. Don't Toss Lit Cigarettes

If you smoke, make sure cigarettes or cannabis are fully extinguished and disposed of safely. Never toss these items onto the ground where they could start a fire.  

4. Have Working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

It is important to ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work properly. This includes at cottages or RVs. Remember to test them every month, change batteries annually, and replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level and outside sleeping areas, and have carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas.

5. Create and Practice a Home Escape Plan

Develop a home escape plan with your family and practice it regularly. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room in case of a fire. 

6. Stay Safe Around Water

Water can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Don’t swim in restricted zones. When boating, wear a properly fitted personal flotation device at all times, and remember to keep unsupervised children away from water. To help teach your children about water safety, the Whitby Yacht Club offers sailing camps and courses for youth ages 7 to 17 years of age and the Town offers swimming lessons. 

7. Use Fireworks Responsibly

Fireworks are only allowed on private property, with the owner’s permission on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali. If you plan on using fireworks, be safe, responsible, and considerate of your neighbours. Learn more firework safety tips from Glenn Green of Whitby Fire. 

8. Tune in to Local Radio for More Fire Safety Tips

Tune in to local radio stations like KX96 New Country FM, 94.9 The Rock, 107.7FM, and 1580AM CKDO every weekend from May 3 to June 29 to hear more fire safety tips, brought to you by Enbridge Gas and fire departments from across Durham and Kawartha.

For further information and updates on fire safety, visit whitby.ca/fire and stay connected with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram @WhitbyFire.

Quotes

As we welcome the nicer weather, it's important to remember the increased risks these seasons bring. As Fire Chief of Whitby Fire and Emergency Services, I urge our community to prioritize fire safety. From grill safety, fireworks, and water safety, it’s important to not let our guards down or get complacent. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Enbridge Gas for their unwavering support in promoting fire safety through our regional radio campaigns. Have a safe season, Whitby!

-       Michael Hickey, Fire Chief, Whitby Fire and Emergency Services.

At Enbridge Gas, safety underpins everything we do. We value the leadership and commitment to safety demonstrated by our Municipal Fire and Emergency Services in Durham Region, evident in the innovative safety programs they provide for the community. We’re proud to support these efforts, including the Spring into Summer Safety radio campaign.

-       Steve McGivery, Director Operations Strategy & Transformation, Enbridge Gas Inc.