A commitment has been made by the Authority Administration to be proactive in Fire Safety Training, and to provide the safeguards that are necessary to ensure secure living conditions for Authority residents. Because of an increase in fire incidents and fire alarms, and a decrease in attendance at the developments 2003 Annual Fire Safety Training Programs, the Safety Committee agreed that steps needed to be taken to address the situation. It was decided that the fire safety training program needed to be reenergized to reach out to both the older adults and the residents living in the family developments, to increase attendance and fire safety awareness of both our English and Spanish speaking residents.

Best Practices Winner
Kokomo Housing Authority, Kokomo, IN
Fire Safe Housing Initiative

The Kokomo Housing Authority made the decision to take whatever steps necessary to reduce fire death and property damage due to fire by developing a Fire Safety Initiative for all residents and landlords.

Best Practices 1st Runner Up
Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority, Zanesville, OH
Plastic Fence Topper for our Children’s Safety

Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority added plastic piping on the fence and along the perimeter of their playground for safety. This colorful piping prevents possible cuts, fingers getting caught, etc… The piping also is a bright yellow color being more kid friendly.

Best Practices 2nd Runner Up
CHARMA, Sacramento, CA
CHARMA Peer Inspection

The CHARMA Peer Inspection Procedure is intended to help prevent losses by facilitating the sharing of information between the member agencies to determine the causes of injuries and losses and to aid in the identification of hazards so they can be corrected.

Honorable Mentions
Indianapolis Housing Authority, IN
Newark Housing Authority, NY
Wilmington Housing Authority, DE
Atlantic City Housing Authority, NJ
Green Bay Housing Authority, WI
Gladwin City Housing Authority, MI
Oklahoma City Housing Authority, OK
South Bend Housing Authority, IN
Allegheny County Housing Authority, PA
Milwaukee Housing Authority, WI (2)
Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, OH
Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority, OH

For information or questions regarding the HARRI Award, contact Debbie Bower at 800-873-0242, ext. 276 or send an e-mail to dbower@housingcenter.com.