Summer is just around the corner, so we have put together resources to help you get ready and stay safe while having fun. Read on for:

• COVID-19 safety this summer
• Fire safety resources
• Tips for trampoline and swimming pool safety
• Tips for preventing mold and pests

COVID-19 Safety this Summer

The Government of Alberta announced their Open for Summer Plan on May 26 with provincewide health measures being removed in three stages, as vaccine targets are reached and hospitalizations decline.

• Stage 1: Two weeks after 50 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 800 and declining.
• Stage 2: Two weeks after 60 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 500 and declining. At this stage Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect
• Stage 3: Two weeks after 70 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine. At this stage, all restrictions will be lifted, including ban on indoor social gatherings, but isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some protective measures in continuing care settings will remain.

According to the Government of Alberta, since we have reached the 50 per cent threshold for one-dose vaccination on May 18, and with hospitalizations well below 800, Alberta will enter Stage 1 on June 1. Based on the current pace of vaccinations, Alberta is projected to enter Stage 2 in mid-June and Stage 3 in late June or early July.

These are estimates only and rely on all Albertans continuing to drive down our hospitalizations while increasing vaccination numbers.

Fire Safety Resources

Refer to these safety resources as you think about cooking food on a barbecue or sitting around a fire this summer.

Using Barbeques Safely

Gas BBQs are allowed but must be located at a safe distance of at least 2 feet from fences, railings, walls and buildings while in use or while still hot. Hibachis and other charcoal BBQs are not permitted on CHC sites.

• BBQ Safety Tips from the Government of Canada
• City of Calgary Picnic Site Info

Fire pits, wood burning stoves and chimineas are prohibited

Fire pits, wood burning stoves and chimineas are prohibited on all CHC sites, including yards and common areas. You can book fire pits at community parks. Hibachis and other charcoal BBQs are not permitted on CHC sites.

• Bookable Fire Pits at Parks
• Fire Bans and Advisories

At home fire safety tips

These resources will help you practice safe cooking habits in your kitchen all year round.

• Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
• Fire Prevention: Serve up fire safety in the kitchen

Tips for trampoline and swimming pool safety 

Follow the safety rules below if you live in a CHC home with space for a swimming pool or trampoline. CHC is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a swimming pool or trampoline.

Trampolines safety information

Trampolines are permitted if the tenant follows manufacturers’ guidelines and directions.

Location must be at least 3 feet from fences, buildings, trees, parking areas and other obstacles.

• A net is mandatory and must be in good repair.
• Secure trampoline to protect from high winds.
• Not all yards will accommodate the size of a trampoline safely.
• CHC is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a trampoline.

Refer to Trampoline Injury Prevention and Safety from the Government of Alberta for tips.

Swimming pool safety information 

Calgary Housing Company does not permit a pool that is greater than 18 inches in height and/or 6 feet in diameter on CHC property including yards, common areas and play areas.

• Pools must be drained at the furthest point away from all buildings with water drained away from buildings.
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• Calgary Housing Company is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a pool.

Refer to the City of Calgary wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools page for details on when these facilities will open and for information on COVID-19 protocols.

Tips for preventing mold and pests 

The moisture and humidity of summer along with spending more time outside can create circumstances for mold and pests. Follow these tips to prevent mold and pests in and around your home.

Preventing mold in your home

Mold seeks moisture, warmth and food to grow, so you can prevent mold from growing by controlling moisture and keeping your home dry. Following these tips and can prevent mold from growing in and around your home.

• Maintain correct room temperature (Between 16* Celcius (61*F) and 21* Celsius (70*F) and air circulation.
• When cooking, open a window or turn on exhaust fans if available.
• Turn on bathroom exhaust fan (where equipped) for at least 15 minutes after a shower or bath.
• Increase the airflow in your home: keep interior doors open, keep furniture one inch from the wall and open your curtains and/or blinds.
• Do not hang blankets on windows as this traps moist air, and reduce the amount of materials you store that collect moisture such as fabrics, paper, and wood.
• Keep your unit clean at all times to allow for good ventilation and airflow.

Refer to additional information on mold from the Government of Alberta for more.

Preventing pests in your home

To avoid attracting pests, rodents or stray animals, please help keep your home and surroundings clean and free of garbage and debris.

If you notice pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches or mice in your unit, please call your Maintenance Administrator or (587) 390-1200.

• Garbage, Recycling and Compost at Multi-Family Homes
• Tips for preventing mice from the City of Calgary
• Information on cockroaches from the Government of Alberta
• Information on bed bugs from the Government of Alberta

The post Getting Ready for a Safe Summer appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Serve up fire safety in the kitchen with info and video resources provided by our friends at the Calgary Fire Department.

Most cooking fires start in the kitchen from overheated cooking oil or food left cooking on the stovetop unattended. Check out tips, links and video resources that will help you practice safe cooking habits in your kitchen all year round.

How to prevent cooking fires

• Stay alert and never leave cooking unattended.
• Check on your food regularly, use a timer.
• Heat your cooking oil slowly and keep the temperature below 200 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid cooking when you are sleepy or drowsy from medication, alcohol or cannabis.
• Keep your cooking areas clear of children, pets and materials that can catch on fire, such as potholders, towels, drapes and food packaging.

What to do during cooking fires

• If you have a grease fire, don’t use water to put it out. Keep the pot on the stove and slide a fitted lid over it to smother the flames.
• If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat and the exhaust fan to stop flames and gases from spreading.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from escaping.
• For a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the appliance if it is safe to do so.

Links & Resources

Fire Safety & Prevention Tips from CHC

Fire Prevention Week info from CFD

Learn more about fire safety on the Calgary Fire Department’s website:

~ Fire Safety Equipment
~ Smoke Alarms
~ Home Fire Safety
~ Electrical and Gas Appliances
~ Building Fire Safety
~ Disposal of Smoking Material

Bedroom Fire Safety:  Few things are more frightening that waking up to a fire in your home. Watch this short video to see how to minimize the risk of having a fire start during the night, how to know if there’s a fire in your home and how to escape from a home fire safely.

Kitchen Fire Safety: The number one cause of home fires in Calgary is being unsafe in your kitchen. Watch this short video to see what kinds of things can cause kitchen fires, what to do in case of a kitchen fire and how to prevent these fires from happening in your home.

Fire Prevention for Seniors: Remembering When is a Fire and Fall prevention program for seniors. As we get older, we tend to spend more time at home. Take a few minutes to watch this informative video with some helpful reminders about how to stay safe in your home.

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Basic fire safety begins at home where a little bit of planning can go a long way towards protecting your loved ones and preventing damage to your belongings.

Review these tips on fire prevention and safety as well as what to do in case of a fire and be prepared. Click the + buttons to expand the sections and check out the resources from the City of Calgary Fire Department on the right.

• Fire Prevention

  These are general tips to prevent a fire in your home.

  • Do not store flammable materials inside your home or attached storage.
  • Do not overload power outlets or use damaged, old or frayed power cords.
  • A power bar with a shut-off feature can protect your electrical appliances.
  • Advise your Property Manager immediately if you become aware of any fire hazards in your home or building, for example, accumulations of combustible materials, flammable liquids, or blocked exit routes.
  • Do not prop open fire doors or disable automatic door closers, as you place both yourself and your neighbours in danger in the event of a fire.

• Cooking and Kitchen Safety

  These are fire prevention and general safety tips to prevent burn injuries in your kitchen.

  • Never leave cooking food unattended.
  • Use your stove’s back burners whenever possible.
  • Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of pots being knocked over.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when cooking.
  • If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan.
  • Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, and other items that can burn, away from your stovetop.
  • Do not to store combustible or flammable items in the bottom drawer of the oven.
  • In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• Preventing False Alarms

  Prevent annoying false alarms that also waste your smoke detector’s battery life.

  • Keep your stove, oven and toasters clean to prevent setting off your smoke alarm.
  • Use the exhaust fan (if available) when cooking to reduce the possibility of false alarms.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans to prevent steam from setting off your alarm.
  • If your smoke detector is being set off too easily, ask your Property Manager if it can be moved.

• In case of Fire – Call 9-1-1

  Knowing what to do in the event of a fire can help you escape to safety.

  • Have a fire escape plan (Check out this fire escape plan from the Calgary Fire Department.)
  • Draw a floor plan of your unit on the fire escape plan.
  • If you live in an apartment building, you will find fire safety and evacuation information posted on each floor.
  • Make sure you know at least two ways out of the building in case one escape route is blocked by fire.
  • Plan escape routes with everyone in your household and practice them regularly so everyone knows how to exit the building safely.
  • If you hear a fire alarm, always leave the building right away. Follow your fire escape plan.
  • If a fire occurs in your unit, evacuate to safety, activate the fire alarm, and call 911 for the fire department.

• Smoke Alarms

  CHC Apartment Buildings

  Every CHC Apartment Building is equipped with a fire alarm system and evacuation plans are posted in the common areas.  Please read these so you are aware of what to do in case of a fire.

  • If you hear the fire alarm in your building, exit immediately then call 911.  
  • Do not use the elevators.  
  • If you require assistance exiting your unit, call 911.

  CHC Townhomes and Single Family Homes

  CHC townhomes and single family homes are equipped with smoke detectors.

  • Smoke detectors must not be tampered with.
  • This includes no painting or covering of the smoke detectors.
  • You should test your smoke detectors once a month to ensure they function.
  • Report any malfunctioning or broken smoke detectors to your Property Manager.

Additional Resources

Learn more about fire safety on the
Calgary Fire Department’s website:

~ Fire Safety Equipment
~ Smoke Alarms
~ Home Fire Safety
~ Electrical and Gas Appliances
~ Apartment Building Fire Safety
~ Proper Disposal of Smoking Material

The post Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Calgary Housing Company is actively monitoring for risk of COVID-19 and is ready to activate efforts to reduce the chances of an outbreak at our properties and offices.

In order to keep Calgary Housing Communities safe, our Pandemic Response Team is working with CHC staff to monitor the ongoing pandemic situation and make decisions about activities like enhanced cleaning services, wellness checks, or other efforts that support the health, safety and wellness of our tenants, staff, and contractors.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, monitoring for cases in our offices, managed properties and communities is an important tool to help stop the spread of the virus. Monitoring for cases allows us to proactively implement mitigating measures we have ready to go, like enhanced cleaning, education services that will help prevent an outbreak and other support for our tenants and staff in the event of an outbreak.

Information CHC Uses to Monitor for COVID-19 Risk

Since the pandemic began in March, Calgarians have worked together to keep each other safe from COVID-19. Calgary Housing Company uses different types of information to understand risk of COVID -19 exposure in our offices and properties, including:

• Asking tenants to self-report COVID-19 illness and exposure,
• Requiring employees to report COVID-19 illness,
• Requiring employees to  self-report exposures to illness that requires quarantine,
• Using contact tracing logs for our employees,
• Utilizing situational reports from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), and;
• Monitoring the Alberta Government’s Covid-19 website.

Tenant Self-Reporting to Keep Our Communities Safe

Alberta Health Services does not notify CHC of positive cases on our properties, so self-reporting any positive cases in your home is an important tool to support the effort to keep our communities safe. If you have a positive case of COVID-19 in your home, please contact your Property Manager. This will help us monitor and track active and recovered COVID-19 cases on our properties and help us understand risk level.

CHC does not release information on our COVID-19 tracking but will take extra steps on a property if there are three households with active cases of COVID-19 on one property. Extra steps we may take to ensure the safety of our tenants and prevent exposure and transmission include: increasing janitorial services, offering additional support services to tenants, checking in to make sure tenants are okay, and implementing the essential visitors policy at the affected property.

If you have a positive case of COVID-19 in your home, you can contact your Property Manager or Tenant Liaison for support while you quarantine. You can also self-report exposure and self-isolation, especially if you need help. Our Tenant Liaisons and Property Managers are always here to help you.

Additional information and Resources

Government of Alberta Covid-19 Status Map – The Government of Alberta’s website provides important community information and identifies the status of Covid-19 cases  through the Alberta community on status maps, which designates regions as “open”, “watch” or “enhanced” relaunch status. View the COVID-19 Status Map by Region

Contact and case tracing to keep our communities safe – Albertans can use the Governmemnt of Alberta’s contact tracing app ABTraceTogether. The app lets people know if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or if they have exposed others – while protecting their privacy. Quickly identifying and isolating positive cases is an important part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and preventing the spread. Learn more about ABTraceTogether

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On August 1, a City of Calgary bylaw will come into effect requiring Calgarians to wear face coverings in public places.

Although this bylaw does not apply to residential properties including those operated by Calgary Housing Company, CHC is strongly recommending that all tenants wear face coverings in common areas including elevators, building lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms and other areas where multiple people may interact.

Face coverings have been shown to assist with a reduction in the transmission of the coronavirus and can help us to keep the curve flat in our community.

Please be aware that CHC employees are also required to wear face coverings in any situation where physical distancing is not possible.

We’re all in this together – we appreciate the efforts tenants are making to help keep our community safe.

For more information:

Face Coverings – information from Alberta Health Services

The City of Calgary Temporary Face Covering Bylaw

The post CHC Strongly Recommends Face Coverings in Properties appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Flood Preparedness in Calgary during a pandemic

According to the City of Calgary, we can experience flooding any time of year, but flooding is most likely to happen between May 15 and July 15, when we historically receive our largest rainfalls.

While we can’t prevent flooding entirely, the best way to ease the added stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic is by doing what we can to be flood ready.

Here’s how you can be prepared for a flood and additional things to consider during a pandemic.

Know your risk and be prepared

• Know your flood risk level by checking out the City Flood Maps and seeing if you are in a high flood risk or low flood risk area.
• Prepare your family in case you need to leave your home quickly by reviewing and updating your Emergency Action Plan.
• If possible, create an emergency kit that you can carry, that includes essentials like prescriptions, items for pets/kids, chargers, personal documents,
• Plan where you would stay if you were instructed to leave your home and consider where you might park your car outside of the flood zone.
• Ensure your Tenant Liaison or Property Manager knows if you require assistance in the event of an emergency.

Things to consider during a pandemic

• If you made an emergency kit, add hand sanitizer, soap and cloth face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• If you need to stay with others talk about how you will manage staying healthy, managing physical distance and maintaining hygiene practices.
• Ensure any person(s) in self-isolation will have a separate room, and ideally a separate bathroom.
• If you need help to evacuate or need to help a friend, family member or neighbour, take care to prevent the spread of the virus by follow the City’s Physical Distancing Guidelines.
• If anyone in your family or the destination household is in self-isolation, consider staying in a hotel or accommodation that is not shared.

How the City of Calgary prepares for a mitigates flooding risk

The City mitigates the risk of flooding as much as possible, and if flooding were to occur, the priority is public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure, vital community services, the environment and the economy.

Each year, the City works to ensure critical infrastructure will continue to operate or recover rapidly from a serious incident or disaster. They also work to ensure that critical infrastructure and public safety are protected.

From the City of Calgary:

• Emergency Preparedness info For Kids 
• Flood Preparedness Info 
• Emergency Preparedness Info

Together, we can all do our part to ensure we are prepared in the event of an emergency, and respond and recover in true Calgary fashion – with resilience and strength of community.

For more information about flood preparedness, check out Flood Preparedness Info from the City of Calgary and take a look at the links on the right for other useful resources to help you be prepared for any type of emergency.

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