Owen Sound Fire Department Launches Annual Home Visitation Program to Support a Safe and Informed Community

The Owen Sound Fire Department will begin its annual Home Visitation Program on Friday, May 15, 2026, with firefighters visiting homes throughout the northeast section of the city to promote fire safety awareness, strengthen community connections, and answer residents’ questions.

Firefighters will be in Owen Sound Fire Department clothing and will be knocking on doors in the late afternoon and early evening to connect with residents. They will ask for access to homes to inspect fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, to ensure each home visited has working alarms in case of emergency.

Now in its second decade, the program reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to building a safe, informed, and engaged community. Each year, firefighters visit a different area of the city as part of the department’s proactive community outreach efforts, helping residents better understand how to protect themselves, their families, and their homes.

During the visits, firefighters will share information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, home escape planning, and general fire safety practices. The program will also help educate residents about Ontario’s updated carbon monoxide alarm regulations, which came into effect in January 2026.

Residents are encouraged to speak with firefighters during the visits and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

For more information, please contact Matt Given, Fire Prevention Officer at 519-376-2512 ext. 2233 or email mgiven@owensound.ca

Quote

Community safety is built on trust, education, and meaningful connection. The Home Visitation Program allows our firefighters to meet residents where they are, share important safety information, and support households in being prepared.

-     Ian Boddy, Mayor

Quick Facts

• As of January 1, 2026, Ontario’s updated Fire Code requires carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to be installed on every storey of residential homes that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, attached garage, or heating supplied by a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home. CO alarms must also continue to be installed adjacent to all sleeping areas.
• The Home Visitation Program has been operating in the community for more than 10 years as part of the department’s public education and community safety initiatives.

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