Safety and Security

Brucelea Haven and Gateway Haven both provide a safe and secure environment for the residents. Magnetic Locks are located on all fire and stairwell doors that prevent the doors from being opened internally or externally. Key pads adjacent to the door will release the Magnetic Lock when the code is inputted, allowing residents, staff and family to enter or leave the building. If the doors are not shut within a designated amount of time, they will alarm.

Coded access allows residents and families to move freely in and out of the building. Residents are invited to exit the building and utilize the walkway, courtyard and garden areas around our home.

Secured Home Area

Both homes have a designated home unit which is secured. This area keeps resident with the risk of elopement safe and secure. In addition residents with responsive behaviors receive a higher level of care through a philosophy that focuses on their individual and group needs. There are Magnetic Locks used at the points of entry into the area, and the code is kept secure from the residents. We ask that staff, volunteers and families be cautious when entering and exiting the area, so as to not allow residents from the area to exit.

Safety Guidelines

We ask that the following guidelines be adhered to in order to minimize congestion and safety risks in the resident rooms:

Store off-season clothing, suitcases and valuables in the home of a family member.
Bed, TV stand, night stand, dresser and a comfortable sitting chair are provided. Any other furnishings require pre-approval.
For safety reasons, throw rugs and storage of items under the bed are not allowed.

Electrical Appliances

All electrical appliances (such as lamps, radios, TV, fans, etc.) must be CSA approved and inspected and tagged by Maintenance upon entering the home. The following is a list of electrical equipment that is not permitted:

Humidifiers
Heating pads
Electric blankets
Space heaters
Hot plates
Toasters
Kettles
Coffee Makers

Fire Safety

The homes are equipped with a three-stage fire alarm system. When the fire alarm is activated, the chimes sound slowly throughout the home during the first stage. These first stage chimes are an alert stage, letting everyone know there may be a fire in the building and to prepare to evacuate if necessary. The second stage is only heard in the fire zone if we need to evacuate the fire zone. These chimes are much faster. The third stage is sounded throughout the entire building indicating a need for total evacuation.

PLEASE NOTE: Aerosol spray cans are restricted in the home (e.g. personal deodorant, room fresheners, etc). Our smoke detectors are very sensitive, and the spray may activate the fire alarms.

Security

The main entrance door is locked every night. Residents returning home after the door has been locked must ring the intercom buzzer (located in the vestibule in the front entrance) to gain entry to the Home from the Nurse in Charge. Throughout the night, Staff conduct security rounds. All exit doors and stairwell doors are monitored by keypads to enhance Resident safety. All exits are secured at night. The main entrance to the building is monitored by video surveillance.

Memory Boxes

Memory boxes are located outside each Resident’s room. These spaces are provided to display personal items belonging to the Resident in that room. It is also a good way for a Resident to identify his/her room and to display valuables.