Enhancing the Protective Environment for Children of Parents in Conflict with the Law or Incarcerated: A Framework for Action

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We offer the present framework to help communities and local organizations in contact with children of parents in conflict with the law cooperate with each other and develop a coherent approach to protecting and supporting these children, especially when their parents are imprisoned. Together, they can strengthen the protective environment around these children and help … Read more

Anti-Idling Technology on Fire Service Vehicles: An Evaluation of the Benefits

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This study was designed to support the anti-idling policies of Surrey Fire Service. Two major components were the adoption of fire trucks with Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and changing behavioural attitudes towards turning off the main fire truck engine whenever possible. As such, the first component of the study aimed to determine the value APUs. … Read more

Smoke Alarm Response Time: Examining the Relationship Between Working Smoke Alarms, Fire Service Response Times and Fire Outcomes

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This report examines 868 residential fire incidents that were responded to by Surrey Fire Services between March 2008 and April 2018, inclusive, and reported to the British Columbia (BC) Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC). At a high-level, this research was intended to examine the relationship between a working fire safety system, fire service response … Read more

Targeted Residential Fire Risk Reduction A Summary of At-Risk Areas in the United Kingdom

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Reducing fires and saving lives is a mandate for all Fire Services. Globally, many departments have implemented door-to-door campaigns to educate their citizens on fire reduction and safety (TriData, 2009). However, focusing on an entire community is expensive, time consuming, and overall, an inefficient use of limited resources. A 2007 TriData report on best practices … Read more

GREAT EXPECTATIONS? PERCEPTIONS OF CANNABIS REGULATION IN ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

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On October 17th, 2018, Canada will become the first G7 country, and second country worldwide, to legalize recreational cannabis on the federal level. Given that few nations have taken this step, the impact on municipalities and communities is still unknown. The main objective of this report is to provide insight into the expectations around and unintended consequences of … Read more

Assessing the Safety of Smart Meter Installations in British Columbia: Analysis of Residential Structure Fires in BC between July 2010 and June 2018

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In June 2011, BC Hydro commenced implementation of its Smart Metering Program, which involved converting every residential property in British Columbia (BC) from legacy metering to wireless technology smart meters. This Smart Metering Program involves replacing existing electrical meters that are now becoming obsolete, with a comprehensive wireless smart metering system. In total, BC Hydro … Read more

Determinants of Injury and Death in Canadian Police Officers

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This research note examined the nature and causes of injuries and fatalities among Canadian police officers through an analysis of the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada injury and fatality time loss claims databases. The data for this research note derived from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada injury and fatality time … Read more

Construction Fire Mitigation by: Improving Fire Resistance of Wood Products

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Buildings face the greatest risk from fires during the construction phase. In recent years, there have been several examples across Canada of major construction site fires, including those in Calgary, Alberta in March 2015, Kingston, Ontario in December 2013 and Richmond, British Columbia in 2011.  Many risks exist at construction sites, including: The proximity of … Read more

Improving In-building Radio Communications for First Responders

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The Canadian government and the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (formerly known as Industry Canada) have adopted policy for Public Safety agencies and their use of wireless communication systems in the 700 MHz frequency band. New building construction is all about energy efficiency—keeping heat out in summer and holding on to it in … Read more