Beyond the Fire: Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Powers Natural Disaster Response

Partners with Duracell Canada PowerForward Program

VICTORIA, BC, Sept. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - During its annual Education Conference, Fire Rescue Canada, this week, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) will highlight tools and partnerships that can be leveraged to provide needed support to communities as crises are unfolding. In fact, recognizing a gap in emergency preparedness and emergency management programs, CAFC is playing a significant role in getting vital services to victims in the wake of natural disasters and in states of emergencies, like floods.   

Victims of natural disasters often find themselves without the power they need to stay safe and connected to what is most important to them. That is why, as part of CAFC's disaster response efforts, they partnered with the Duracell PowerForward program. The program uses trailers, trucks and stationary units to bring reliable power to communities affected by disasters, allowing people to recharge, reconnect and recover.

"You might not think of a fire chief's role as getting approval for a non-emergency vehicle to get down a blocked-off street, but that's part of what we do," says Chief Paul Boissonneault, President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. "Working with our networks, we help get special clearance for groups like Duracell to get their fleet of relief vehicles into communities where power has gone out, providing access to recharging stations and batteries."

CAFC is committed to building innovative partnerships and ensuring members know these resources are available and can be leveraged to keep communities safe and provide important resources in times of need.

Photo Opportunity:
A Duracell PowerForward truck will be on-site from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC) from Monday, September 21 to Wednesday September 23, for attendees to experience first-hand the potential of this program and ways delegates can leverage programs and community services like this one in the wake of natural disasters. Interested media are welcome to contact CAFC to arrange a demonstration.

About Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Founded in 1909, the CAFC is an independent, non-profit organization representing approximately 3,500 fire departments across Canada. As the voice of fire services in Canada, the CAFC promotes the highest standard of public safety in an ever changing and increasingly complex world. CAFC acts as the national public service association dedicated to reducing the loss of life and property from fire. For more information on the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, visit our website: www.cafc.ca

About Duracell
Part of the Procter & Gamble Company [NYSE:PG], Duracell has been powering people around the world for more than 50 years. Our products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. As the world's leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, Duracell also innovates in renewable power and wireless charging technologies to help consumers live life without limits. Visit www.duracell.ca for more information; follow us on Twitter.com/Duracell and like us on Facebook.com/Duracell.

SOURCE Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

For further information: or to request an interview, please contact: Erika Adams, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, [email protected], [phone]