In homestays, students are sometimes in wood constructions that do not have smoke detectors. Council is in the process of purchasing portable smoke alarms. Students are told to avoid smoking and burning candles in wood structures. Most houses have no hot water or water heaters that are electric. There is no central heating.
Some houses are more than one hour's walk to a phone.
Families living in these areas have horses and other means to get word quickly to someone on staff. All families are given staff contact information. Students living with remote families are advised to tell their families back home of their plans of study, where they are going, and when they plan to be back. The community is a small one, about 4,500 people. There is no history of violent crime.