The Chatham-Kent fire department is partnering with Meals on Wheels to provide free home fire safety checks.
Public Educator Whitney Burk says a local program called CHIRP (Chatham-Kent, Homes, Informed, Ready and Protected) ensures that homes in need are protected against fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Burk says the program has been running for just over a year and is expanding to more clients in the Chatham-Kent area.
"We make sure the alarms are working, we make sure they are located in the right spot, and we check the expiry date. That's the biggest thing we're finding -- a number of people believed their home was protected because they have smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms, but those expire," explains Burk.
According to Burk, carbon monoxide detectors expire after seven years and smoke alarms expire after ten years.
"[There's] no fines, tickets, or anything like that. It's purely education based. We speak to them about home safety planning, how to get out if there was ever a fire, if there are any mobility issues, or anything like that," says Burk.
Burk says the CHIRP program isn't just for Meals on Wheels clients, anyone can have their home inspected by going online or calling (519)-360-1998.
She adds that she hopes CHIRP's partnership with Meals on Wheels will become an annual outreach program that will spread to different townships.
