Date: Wed Aug 20 11:58:33 2008
Subject: Calgary Fire Department launches tip line for unsafe residential rental housing 
From: Fire PIO

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             CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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Calgary Fire Department launches tip line for unsafe
residential rental housing 


(Calgary, Aug. 20, 2008) – The Calgary Fire Department has
developed a new way for the public to confidentially alert
authorities to potentially unsafe and unhealthy rental
housing in their neighborhood.  Concerned tenants and members
of the public can now call the City of Calgary’s 311 line to
report locked and blocked exits, unsafe electrical systems
and other health and safety concerns in residential rental
units.

The move comes as part of enhancements to the Safe Housing
Inspection Program (SHIP).  The program has been operational
since 2006 and helps to identify unsafe and unhealthy rental
housing in Calgary.

“With the recent fire deaths at a Calgary rental house, we
wanted to make it easy for concerned tenants and others to
report unsafe and unhealthy conditions in a residential
rental unit,” says Deputy Chief Brad Lorne. 

The SHIP program involves a number of City business units
along with the Calgary Health Region working together to
identify unsafe and unhealthy rental housing, and to issue
orders to landlords to comply with relevant provincial and
local legislation.  The City’s 311line now provides the
public with direct access to report concerns.  

“It’s important for the public to know that their calls to
311 are completely confidential.  Names will not be shared
other than with the appropriate authorities.  Caller
information will definitely NOT be shared with landlords,”
says Chief Lorne.

While calls are confidential, they will not be anonymous. 
Callers will be required to leave contact information for
authorities to carry out follow-up procedures.

Chief Lorne says the goal of SHIP is not to shut down
residential rental housing; rather, the program works with
landlords to make rental units safe and healthy.

“Our number one priority is to make residential rental units
safe and healthy, so that we avoid tragedies like the recent
fire deaths in a local rental house,” says Chief Lorne.  “If
we can do that by telling landlords what needs to be done to
comply with relevant codes, and following up to make sure the
work has been done – that’s the ideal scenario.”

For more information on fire safety tips, call 311 or visit
www.calgary.ca/fire

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Public Contact Information:

Jeff Budai
Public Information Officer
287-4257

Public Email Contact: 

    3-1-1contactus@calgary.ca

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