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Coordinated Safety Response Team CSRT. A Multi-Agency Approach. Formation of the Team. Building Regulations – deployment of dedicated resources (Safety Response Unit) Determining agencies First CSRT meetings Establishment of issues Discuss Strategies. Determining Team Members….
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Coordinated Safety Response Team CSRT A Multi-Agency Approach
Formation of the Team • Building Regulations – deployment of dedicated resources (Safety Response Unit) • Determining agencies • First CSRT meetings • Establishment of issues • Discuss Strategies
Determining Team Members… • Calgary Police Service • ALERT – Green Team South • ALERT – Safer Communities & Neighborhoods • Alberta Health Services • City of Calgary – Animal & Bylaw Services • City of Calgary – Building Regulations (SRU)
CSRT – dismantled MGOs • Dangers (Physical): • Negative Impacts including growth of mould on walls, floors and ceilings • The weakening of structural components and surfaces due to high humidity levels • Impaired air quality due to the presence of mould and chemical residues. • A large hole cored through the foundation wall that exposes the premises to penetration of water.
CSRT – dismantled MGOs • Dangers (Physical): • The continuing potential for poor air quality due to the presence of mould and chemical residues that will affect the health and safety of occupants. • Exposed electrical wiring creating the potential for electrical shock • The state of disarray of the premises and unsanitary conditions • Alterations to the mechanical system
CSRT – dismantled MGOs • Dangers (Situational): • Criminal activity after the “bust” • Vagrants use of structure • Entry by juveniles • Local criminals using house as base of operations • Increased call volumes for Police and Bylaw • Increased likelihood of a fire occurring • Increased likelihood of a fire fighter being injured • Decreased property values • Property sold “as is” and not remediated
NFPA Report – Fires in Vacant Buildings • Fires in vacant buildings are more likely to have been intentionally set than other structure fires. • Forty-three percent of reported vacant building fires during this period were intentionally set, compared to 10% of structure fires overall. • Vacant buildings accounted for 25% of all intentionally set structure fires. • Vacant building fires pose a threat to firefighters. • During the ten-year period 1998-2007, a total of 15 firefighters were fatally injured at the scene of vacant structure fires. • On average, 4,500 firefighters were injured at vacant building fires annually during 2003-2006. • These account for 13% of the reported firefighter injuries incurred at structure fires per year during this period.
October 31, 2011 – Vacant Building Fire NFPA Report – Fires in Vacant Buildings
Early Strategies • Review of Current State (UPI information) • Stakeholder meetings • Mortgage holders • Property Mgmt Companies • Remediators and Environmental consultants • Insurance providers • CSRT mail-out (Jan. 2011)
CSRT Cover Letter… • To: OWNER of ____________________________. • Your property was used for the purpose of a marijuana grow operation and has therefore been dismantled by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Green Team South. • Please carefully read the following information that has been prepared by: The Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services, City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services and the City of Calgary Building Regulations. These agencies are members of the newly formed Coordinated Safety Response Team (CSRT), a team dedicated to providing safe and liveable communities for the citizens of Calgary. • Read each document thoroughly to ensure you completely understand the implications of the information presented. • The City of Calgary SAFETY CODES OFFICER’S NOTICE outlines the specific requirements of your Environmental Restoration Permit. • The intent of this information package is to make you aware of the safety risks you are posing to the community and to ensure that you remediate your property within a reasonable time. • It is critically important that you act now by contacting the Coordinated Safety Response Team to begin the remediation process.
New Approach – Unsafe • Green Blitz launch point (Sept 27/11) • Fencing, securing, and placarding • Use of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) Order use • Next Steps…
CSRT – Signage • WHY??? • Protect the community • Raise awareness of the unsafe nature of the property • Gain control of the site to ensure: • no unauthorized entry • authorized remediation is completed
CSRT – Signage • Process: • MGO dismantled • MGA Order prepared, copy sent to owner and mortgage holder(s) • MGA Order placed on site • Structure secured (entry doors boarded), fenced, and signage placed. • Cost placed on Tax Roll • Early findings: • Community members call in for information and to report activity • 2 comments on the fence to date (unsightly) • Owners are using the contact information
Moving Forward… • Continue with current strategies • Securing dismantled • MGA Order issuance • Medical MGO inspections • Implement ERP change • Engage stakeholders • Bldg. Regs-SRU to add resources