Pat Traichevich and Hilarie Hudson take a look at some of the smoke detectors purchased by the Margaret Stokes IODE for Petrolians in need. Members want to make sure everyone has a smoke detector. The club recently purchased 40 detectors for the clients of the Petrolia Food Bank. The detectors will be given to those who can’t afford one and local firefighters will install them. Education Officer Hilarie Hudson says fires now burn faster because of the building materials we use, so it is essential people are alerted of problems as quickly as possible with a smoke detector. “They save lives,” says Traichevich. “We know how important it is to have them and it can be an added expense for those in need.” Hudson adds the fire department wouldn’t want anyone to have to choose food over safety so the smoke detectors are welcomed. There have been 20 fire fatalities in Ontario since January according to officials. In all cases, there were no working smoke detectors in the homes.
Heather Wright Photo