Town of Pelham Receives $49,998 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2024

Pelham, ON –   The Town of Pelham has received a $49,998 provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to purchase and distribute public safety materials and additional equipment and training for the Pelham Fire Department's first responders to support the community in responding to weather events. 

“It’s important that Pelham is prepared when the unexpected happens,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “We’ve all seen extreme weather recently, and the damage it can do, and this grant will help to ensure we have the training, knowledge and reliable equipment available so the firefighters can continue their good work.”

The funding supports the purchase of equipment, including battery-powered chainsaws, backup battery power packs, and communication tools, that will integrate with current town-owned equipment to ensure all three stations can connect and share resources in the event of an emergency. In addition, 15 of the new Pelham Fire volunteers will complete training offered by the National Fire Protection Association. Through the grant, 200 combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors will be purchased and distributed to qualifying Pelham residents. Pelham Cares Inc. has also partnered with the Fire Department to provide the detectors to eligible community members.  

During Emergency Preparedness Week in May, the grant supported producing and distributing the updated 72-hour emergency preparedness guide. The guide contained information on knowing the risks in Pelham, making a family emergency plan, building a 72-hour emergency kit, ways to stay connected during emergencies, and additional tips for smartphone users. It also contains a resource section for residents to have easy access to important numbers in one location. Additional copies are available at Town Hall and the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill.  

“Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the government is stepping up to ensure Ontario is safe, practiced and prepared for any type of emergency,” said Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Targeted investments such as this one for the Town of Pelham, will empower its residents to be prepared for emergencies and ensure its Fire Department has the necessary equipment and training to enhance its emergency response."

Funding is being delivered to 113 recipients across Ontario through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, a $5-million investment to aid communities and organizations in purchasing critical supplies and equipment and delivering training and services. The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government earmarked over the next three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario. 

Learn more about emergency preparedness and fire services in Pelham at www.pelham.ca/fireservices

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Leah Letford, Communications Specialist | 905-980-6653 | lletford@pelham.ca 

Image: Town of Pelham Fire Prevention Officer Jason Longhurst holds a detector.