TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 15, 2014) - As a continuous champion of safety, Enbridge Gas Distribution applauds the Ontario government's decision to make carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in all residential homes.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services announced that carbon monoxide alarms will now be required near all sleeping areas in residential homes and in the service rooms, and adjacent sleeping areas in multi-residential units.

"Safety is one of our key values, and we're committed to helping ensure there are no deaths in Ontario due to carbon monoxide exposure," said William Bishop, Manager, Emergency Programs Office, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "We urge all of our customers to take action and ensure they have a working carbon monoxide alarm in their homes outside sleeping areas."

Educating customers about the dangers of carbon monoxide is a top priority at Enbridge.

Enbridge Gas Distribution proudly supports Project Zero - a public education program in partnership with the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council aimed at bringing the number of fire- and carbon-monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

This year, Enbridge Gas Distribution has donated $100,000 towards Project Zero, which will allow 15 fire departments to donate the alarms to residents who need them most. Since its launch in 2009, 64 Ontario fire departments have benefitted from this initiative.

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a silent killer because it is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels, including natural gas.

Proper maintenance of fuel burning equipment, including an annual inspection by a licensed contractor, is essential as a first line of defense against carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide alarms are a critical second line of defense.

Enbridge Gas Distribution also launched 'Six Second Safety' - a safety campaign that highlights simple natural gas safety tips around the home - including installing and testing carbon monoxide alarms. For more information, visit www.sixsecondsafety.com

About Enbridge Gas Distribution

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2013 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2013 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGasNews.

Photo Caption:

Enbridge Gas Distribution and Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council presented Orangeville Fire Department with 552 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as part of Project Zero. On hand to support the local program kick-off were Orangeville Fire Chief Andy Macintosh, Enbridge Community and Municipal Relations Manager Manny Sousa, Deputy Mayor Warren Maycock, Enbridge Director of Construction Frank R. Smith, Councillor Gail Campbell, and Orangeville Fire Prevention Officer Dwight VanAlstine.

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