Letter to Chiefs - Safe Student Accommodations

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Office of the Fire Marshal	Ministère de la Sécurité communautaire et des Services correctionnels Bureau du commissaire des incendies
Place Nouveau Building 7th Floor 5775 Yonge Street North York ON M2M 4J1 Telephone 416-325-3100 Facsimile: 416-325-3162	Édifice Place Nouveau 7^eétage 5775 rue Yonge North York ON M2M 4J1 Téléphone: 416-325-3100 Télécopieur: 416-325-3162

26 August 2008

Dear Fire Chiefs,

As September draws near, students across the province are getting ready to leave the comfort of home to attend college and university. To assist them with a safe transition into their new living spaces, the Office of the Fire Marshal has prepared a set of tips for living safely that everyone should follow to prevent a fire tragedy.

Safe Student Accommodations 101 offers post-secondary students living away from home for the first time, as well as those returning to college or university, advice on fire safety practices. It also raises awareness about potential safety hazards in apartments and other accommodations.

Fire departments are encouraged to download the tip sheet and additional information on the top causes of preventable home fires at www.ofm.gov.on.ca. They then can be distributed to student housing and support services at local colleges and universities and guidance offices at community high schools for post-secondary planning. In addition, it’s a good idea to participate in orientation week activities to educate students on fire safety and prevention measures in residences and off-campus housing.

These years can be the most exciting in the life of a student and following these 10 tips can help prevent fire tragedies.

For further information, contact Denise Wallace at (416) 325-1911 or email Denise.Wallace@Ontario.ca.

Sincerely,