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durhamregïon THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ March 1,2006 ♦ Page 13 Smoke alarm law changes today , IZABELA JAROSZYNSKI IStaff Writer | . DURHAM - Working smoke 'alarms on ^eVery level of the house are now required by [law. ! ';A S of March 1, 2006, a new provincial law [requires all households in Ontario have one [working smoke alarm on each floor. That lihcludes basements, as well as attics that 'Contain anything from storage to sleeping iquarters. The only time an attic would be ■exempt from this law is if it sits completely [empty, says Oshawa fire prevention inspector Paul Hunt. The law is a way of trying to reduce fire deaths that could have been prevented had 'working smoke alarms been installed, in the [home. j! "Enough is enough," Mr. Hunt says. "We have to get the message through that smoke alarms are life-saving devices." Mr. Hunt says many people believe they will wake up in the case of a fire. But this assumption assumption is dead wrong, he says. "Toxic fumes will put [you into a deeper sleep," he says. "Nothing will wake you like a smoke alarm." The fine for non-compliance with the new law is a $235 ticket, but the Province also has the option of filing criminal charges of negligence negligence causing death and failure to provide the necessities of life if a person is injured or dies as a result of a non-working'smoke alarm. It is the responsibility of a building owner to install and maintain the smoke alarms in residential residential dwellings, such as apartment buildings. buildings. Mr. Hunt encourages tenants to contact the fire prevention team should their landlord refuse to install a working device. "We will give them 24 hours to correct the problem," he said. "If they still refuse, we will press charges." People often remove the batteries from devices that tend to go off, Mr. Hunt says. He advises that homeowners not place smoke alarms in bathrooms or kitchens, as they are more apt to go off when someone is cooking or taking a shower. Maintenance of existing smoke alarms is also key, Mr. Hunt adds. Check smoke alarms once a month by pressing the button on the bottom. If it goes off that means the alarm is working. If the alarm does not go off during your monthly checkup, try replacing the batteries. batteries. If this does not fix the problem, replace the smoke alarm. "It's a cost of $10 for a new one," Mr. Hunt says. "Would you rather spend $10 or get fined $235?" practising conservation !• CLARINGTON - Veridian Corporation 's practising what it preaches, j: During the past year the electricity distribution distribution company has been working with its [Customers, industry and government partners to champion energy conservation and demand management. [i "Local distribution companies like burs have ja responsibility to lead the way in creating a Conservation culture in Ontario," said Veridian Veridian president Michael Angemeer. "Without a rapid shift in our attitude towards electricity -use and its value, our energy security will be severely compromised over the coming years. Combined action on conservation and 'demand management today will be mean a [stronger economic future for Ontario tomor- !row." [ Mr. Angemeer said he looked to Veridan's employees to find ways to reduce the company's company's use of electricity and they delivered those savings. Veridian achieved a six per cent reduction in two of its largest facilities in Ajax and Pickering Pickering that together comprise about 55,000 sq. ft. of office and 30,000 sq. ft. of warehouse and garage space that were already equipped with many energy efficient features. , These savings were achieved through simple simple and low-cost initiatives such as adjusting thermostats for night setbacks, finding the optimal heating and cooling temperatures, closing blinds at night and turning off or removing unnecessary lighting. "With very little upfront cost, we've reduced annual consumption by about 79,000 KWhs," said Mr. Angemeer. "That's enough electricity electricity to power nine typical households for a year. ...... Mr. Angemeer said he is optimistic about Ontario's energy future and said the. industry industry is doing everything it can to achieve the Province's conservation goals. We continue to live by our slogan - 'The power to make your community better,"' said Mr. Angemeer. "The'promotion of conservation conservation and its positive economic and environmental environmental benefits is one more way in which we will deliver on this commitment." . Veridian Corporation is responsible for distributing distributing electricity to more than 104,000 customers in the cities of Pickering and Belleville, the Towns of Ajax, Port Hope and -Gravenhurst and the communities of Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, Port Perry, Beaverton, Sunderland and Can- nington. March Break History Quiz Calling all students! Questions available Mon, March 6 at David Alexander (corner of King Ave. & North St, Newcastle) and online at www.newcastle150.com. Entries due Sat. March 16 by 5 p.m. to David Alexander. All correct entries will be placed in a draw. Sponsored by David Alexander Sesquicentennial] Photo Contest Snap photos throughout the year and enter your favourites in December for great prizes! 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