Building Safety

Exits

To help keep your building exits safe and accessible:

  • Remove obstructions from exits, aisles, corridors, and fire escapes
  • Repair and maintain lighting for corridors, stairways, and exits
  • Maintain emergency power equipment for exit lighting and signs
  • Provide approved exit signs at every required exit

Electrical

Help keep your building safe by:

  • Discontinuing the use of extension cords in lieu of permanent wiring
  • Repairing opening in fire resistive constructions (walls, ceiling, and unsealed chases)
  • Keeping a clearance of 30 inches in front of electrical panels

Fire Extinguishers

An annually-maintained extinguisher of a minimum 2-A:10-B:C rating should be provided in common areas. An option is to provide outside access extinguishers. These should not be located more then 75 feet away from the building(s) they are servicing and are required on each level of multi-level buildings. You should also make sure:

  • You service and tag extinguishers annually and after each use by a licensed fire extinguisher company
  • A State Fire Marshal tag is affixed to the fire extinguisher
  • You mount the extinguishers where readily available and with the top not higher than five feet and no less than three feet
  • You post signs indicating the location of the extinguisher if not readily available

Storage

The following are some helpful tips when dealing with storage:

  • Use only an approved container for storage of combustible rubbish or waste material
  • Remove storage underneath exits and stairs
  • Remove combustible storage from mechanical or electrical equipment rooms or boiler rooms
  • Remove storage of dumpsters or containers in the building or within five feet of combustible walls, openings, or roof eave lines
  • Remove all combustible and hazardous materials from vacant apartments and properties
  • Place hazard identification signs at entrances to locations where hazardous materials are stored (mark individual containers)

Exterior

Keep your exterior safe by:

  • Removing accumulations of combustible weeds, grass, vines, or other vegetation
  • Removing storage of combustible materials less than 10 feet from property line
  • Having a visible street address