A Practical Guide for Landlords, Tenants,
and Property Managers
Exiting Systems
| Address | Fire Alarm
Systems
Fire Sprinkler Systems | Fire
Extinguishers | Fire Lanes
Emergency Medical Services | Pool
Safety
Chemical Storage/Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Storage
Knox Boxes | Heating and
Ventilation Units | Laundry Rooms
Dumpsters | Storage of
Combustibles | Electrical
Barbecue Grills | LPG/Natural
Gas | Working with the Fire Department
Conducting Property Inspections | Community
Safety Committee
Community Newsletter | Apartment
Checklist
Perhaps nothing is as devastating as fire out of control. Fire
can kill, disable, and completely disrupt people's lives. Fire can
ruin businesses and destroy livelihoods. According to the US Fire
Administration, 20 percent of fires in the United States occur in
apartments.
This training is provided to help equip you with the information
you need to significantly reduce the possibility of fire occurring
in your home or apartment. If you have questions pertaining to any
information contained in this manual, contact the Elmwood Park Fire
Prevention Bureau at 708-452-3934.
Top
EXITING SYSTEMS
The most important aspect of fire safety is getting everyone out
quickly and safely. All exit corridors, doors, and stairways must be
safely maintained at all times.
 | Keep stairways free of obstructions at all times. Anything
which may render the stairway unusable should be kept away from
stairs. Propane barbecue grills, motorcycles, and combustible
materials should not be stored under stairs. |
| If there are interior corridor systems, ongoing maintenance is
necessary. |
1. Keep all storage and obstructions out of corridors.
2. Maintain and test emergency lighting monthly. Check for
burned out bulbs, low and dead batteries.
3. Maintain exit signs. Replace burned out bulbs as soon as
possible.
4. Fire doors along the corridor should be maintained
self-closing, self-latching (especially laundry and utility rooms)
and not propped open. Properly maintained fire doors can hold back
fire and smoke from the corridor, allowing tenants time to get
out.
5. Post evacuation plans in common areas of the complex. Each
plan must indicate two exits from each area and a safe place for
everyone to congregate. Provide evacuation information to new
tenants regarding procedures to be followed if the fire alarm is
activated.
| All floor levels are required to have two ways out of every
sleeping room. |
1. All sleeping rooms below the forth floor are required to
have an openable window for escape or rescue.
2. All floors above the first story used for human occupancy
are required to have two separate exits, one of which may be an
exterior fire escape built to the (BOCA) National Fire Prevention
Code.
Exception #1: In all occupancies, second stories with an
occupant load of ten or less may have one exit.
Exception #2: An exit ladder device may be used in lieu of a
fire escape if the building does not exceed three floors in height.
It must be built to Uniform Building Code standards.
Top
ADDRESS
It is very important that address numbers are easily seen from
the street to assist emergency personnel in quickly locating the
appropriate address.
| The complex address numbers should be at least six inches in
height, contrast with the background, and be visible from the
street. |
| Post apartment numbers conspicuously, contrasting with
background, and at least three inches in height.
Top
FIRE ALARM
SYSTEMS
|
Fire alarms are designed to notify residents of a fire in time to
safely evacuate a building. Building managers should consider
providing residents with information to assist them in planning
their evacuation. Keep fire alarm systems in proper operating
condition at all times. This can be accomplished by utilizing the
following guidelines:
Complete annual confidence testing and maintenance by qualified
personnel is mandatory for all fire alarm systems. The results are
to be sent to the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Elmwood Park Fire
Dept. where they will be kept on file. This includes, but is not
limited to, testing all devices, cleaning all smoke detectors,
checking battery levels, etc. Documentation may be requested by
insurance underwriters seeking verification that reasonable
efforts are being made to maintain the system in good working
order.
Note: A trouble condition, indicated on the alarm panel by a
yellow light, can be caused by numerous conditions. This situation
requires contacting qualified service personnel to troubleshoot and
correct the problem.
False alarms, besides being annoying, can cause residents to
become "desensitized" to the alarm and possibly to
disregard it. Proper maintenance can help avoid this situation.
Occasionally, manual pull stations are maliciously pulled. If this
occurs frequently, contact the Elmwood Park Fire Prevention Bureau
for assistance. Fines for malicious false alarms can
range from $100 to $500.
SMOKE ALARM ADVICE
Smoke alarms are the only tool that gives people a chance to wake
up in a fire situation. Having enough time to get out is usually
adequate when smoke alarms are placed in correct locations
throughout the building. A fire must be discovered at a very early
stage to insure escape for everyone from the building.
When you realize that non-related people share walls and floors
with each other, you will also acknowledge that tenants generally
have no control over their neighbors habits. One person may be a
very messy individual, with poor smoking and housekeeping habits.
This person is much more likely to have a fire than a person who is
neat and takes an active role in keeping their apartment fire safe.
With this in mind, you can see that the messy individual is
putting their neighbors lives at risk, with their careless
lifestyle. Since landlords have little control over the tenants
habits, working smoke alarms and proper exits become the only common
denominator for fire safety, between the tenants. Landlords and
property managers are the people that can make a difference for the
conscientious tenant.
To do your part, the fire department wants to see smoke alarms in
every sleeping room, outside every sleeping room, and common areas
like living rooms, common halls, every level of the apartment and
laundry rooms. This is what is required in every newly built or
remodeled (improvements over $1,000) residential occupancy.
Existing apartments, according to BOCA, are required to have
smoke alarms outside all sleeping rooms, on each floor level of the
apartment, and common halls of the building. Spacing in halls is 15
feet from the ends and every 30 feet after that.
The only problem with this is, if a person sleeps with their door
closed (as fire departments recommend) and a fire starts in that
sleeping room without a smoke alarm, the person sleeping in that
room will be overcome with smoke before the smoke alarm outside the
room activates.
Young children who are curious about fire, usually use their
bedroom to experiment with matches and lighters. Loose combustibles
next to space heaters, candles, cigarettes, and baseboard heaters
are other reasons why fires start in bedrooms.
Please add another smoke alarm to every sleeping room, and if the
landlord chooses not to provide beyond the minimum required by code,
the tenant is encouraged to purchase additional smoke alarms that
become their personal property. If the landlord does not provide the
required number of smoke alarms, ask the landlord or property
manager to do so. If the change isn't made, contact your local fire
department for help.
Remember, smoke alarms are required to be working when the tenant
moves in. After that it becomes the tenants responsibility to
maintain them with fresh batteries when needed while they live
there. Beyond that it is highly recommended for the landlord or
property manager to change the battery whenever a tenant moves out.
Offering the tenants a fresh battery annually, also has shown to
keep the number of dead smoke alarms at a much lower percentage.
The tenant must not remove the battery for any reason. If the
battery starts to chirp every few minutes, do not remove the old
battery until you have a new battery in your hand. Many smoke alarms
are forgotten about if the chirping battery is removed before a new
one is in hand. Don't wait, as the low battery warning will only
last a few days before it goes dead completely. Change all batteries
at least once a year.
The ideal situation for an apartment building is to have wired-in
smoke alarms with battery backup. The common areas of the building
should be interconnected and the individual rooms would not be
interconnected. This way, if a fire was to start in the basement,
all common area hall smoke alarms would activate.
A battery operated smoke alarm that works well in a small
apartment features a hush button to silence nuisance alarms. Don't
confuse this button with the test button, as the hush model has
both.
You may have never experienced a fire first hand. This means only
that it hasn't happened yet. By making your home as fire safe as
possible and having a fire escape plan for the building, you are
helping to lessen the likelihood of a fire and insuring that all
people in the building get out safely if there is a fire.
Landlords are required to provide working smoke alarms in every
rental unit when the tenant moves in. They are required to be
mounted on the ceiling or wall at a point centrally located in the
corridor or area giving access to each separate sleeping area. Where
sleeping rooms are on an upper level, the detector shall be placed
at the center of the ceiling directly above the stairway. Detectors
shall be installed in basements of dwelling units having stairways
which open from the basement into the dwelling. Detectors shall
sound an alarm audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling unit in
which they are located. It needs to be loud enough to wake the
person when they are asleep with their door closed. Additional
detectors may be necessary to accomplish this. Batteries need to be
changed at least once a year and it is recommended that batteries
are changed when the tenant moves out. A maintenance plan that
involves the owner and tenant is what is needed.
Top
FIRE
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Fire sprinkler systems are the most effective means of
controlling fires, minimizing fire spread and damage caused by smoke
and fire. Sprinkler heads are strategically placed throughout
apartment living areas. Activated by heat, only those heads near the
fire will discharge water. Fire sprinkler systems do require regular
testing and maintenance.
| Testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems |
1. Fire sprinkler systems require at least annual testing and
maintenance by a qualified contractor.
2. Standards for testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler
systems are outlined in NFPA pamphlet 13A.
| Central station monitoring |
If the sprinkler system has 100 or more sprinkler heads, the
system is required to be monitored by an alarm monitoring company
for water flow and tamper. Tamper switches must be attached to the
control valves. These switches will send a signal to the alarm
monitoring company to notify them that someone is turning a valve.
| If the fire sprinkler system has less than 100 sprinkler
heads, lock sprinkler system control valves in the
"open" position to avoid tampering by unauthorized
persons.
Top
FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
|
Fire extinguishers, when operated by a person knowledgeable in
their use can significantly reduce fire damage. Training is
essential. If you have a fire extinguisher available, be sure it is
a Class ABC extinguisher, with a testing laboratory label. Use an
extinguisher only if . . .
1. The fire department is being called. (9-1-1)
2. The building is being evacuated. Activate fire alarm, if
available.
3. You know you have a 2A-10BC extinguisher and already know
how to operate it.
4. The fire is small and contained in the area where it
started.
5. You can fight the fire with your back to an exit.
If any of these is not true, get out immediately and dial
9-1-1.
Extinguishers are required to be installed in common halls or
outside so no one has to travel more than 75 feet to reach an
extinguisher. The extinguisher should be mounted so its top is not
more than 54 inches above the floor.
Training information pertaining to fire extinguishers is
available from the Elmwood Park Fire Prevention Bureau.
Maintenance: Keep fire extinguishers in good working order at
all times. Be sure they are mounted in conspicuous, accessible
locations. Annual servicing by qualified personnel and monthly
inspection by maintenance personnel is required.
Top
FIRE LANES
Fire lanes are designed to provide direct access for emergency
activities and emergency vehicles. Most frequently, they are used
for fire apparatus during medical emergencies. When fire lanes are
blocked by vehicles, a delay in receiving emergency assistance may
occur. In a fire or medical emergency, seconds count. Proper signage
is very important to enforce no parking in the fire lane. The police
department will cite vehicles illegally parked and may assist
apartment managers with enforcement. Contact Elmwood Park Fire
Prevention for information on signage wording and placement.
Top
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES
| Learn CPR. Contact the American Red Cross. |
| Place 9-1-1 stickers, your address and phone number, and
emergency numbers on or near the phone. |
| When dialing 9-1-1, be sure to answer all the dispatchers'
questions and follow their directions. Speak slowly and stay
calm. Stay on the phone until instructed to hang up. |
| Provide specific information about where the emergency is
taking place. For example, the building number, apartment
number, nearest entrances, which pool, etc. |
| To direct emergency personnel to the scene, turn on an outside
light and, if available, send someone out to meet them. |
| Unlock gates or doors leading to the apartment so firefighters
can make entry.
Top
POOL SAFETY
|
Many water-related incidents occur each year. These frequently
involve young children, but adults can also be victims.
Water-related incidents include not only drowning, but near
drowning, which can leave the victim severely brained damaged. Also,
diving from other than designated areas can cause head and spinal
cord injuries if the victim strikes his/her head on the bottom.
Permanent paralysis can result. Alcohol consumption may precipitate
water-related incidents by impairing judgement.
| Adults, as well as children, should never swim alone. Children
must always be directly supervised by an adult. |
| Provide approved life-saving equipment, such as a pole with a
hook or a styrofoam ring, in the pool area. |
| Persons supervising others should know cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). |
| Interior perimeter pool fences should be installed. Fences
should be at least 4 1/2 feet in height, with self-closing and
self-latching gates, which should be checked frequently.
Vertical bars should not be spaced more than four inches apart. |
| Keep pool area free of toys and other objects that might
attract children. |
| Keep tables and chairs away from the outside of the interior
perimeter fence, so children cannot climb over the fence by
using furniture or other objects. |
| Do not allow pets in the pool area when young children are
present. |
| Post pool rules conspicuously and enforce them. Suggested
rules include: |
1. Children must always be directly supervised by a responsible
adult.
2. Rules addressing the consumption of alcoholic beverages
should be considered.
3. Roughhousing is not allowed.
4. Dive only from the diving board, not from the side of the
pool.
5. Gates must be closed after entering or exiting the pool
area; never prop them open.
6. Glass containers are not allowed in the pool area.
7. Buggies and strollers should be kept away from in ground
pools.
| It is recommended a telephone be near the pool, with 9-1-1
posted for emergencies.
Top
CHEMICAL
STORAGE
|
FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
STORAGE
Pool chemicals:
Store pool chlorine and muriatic acid separately in a
well-ventilated area.
Flammable and combustible liquids:
Store gasoline in approved safety cans only. Do not exceed five
gallons. Place caps tightly on container. It is recommended that
flammable and combustible liquids be stored in a well-ventilated
area, away from open flame (i.e. gas water heaters and other
ignition sources).
Combustible and flammable liquids stored in excess of ten
gallons, must be stored in an approved flammable liquid storage
cabinet. Contact Elmwood Park Fire Prevention for cabinet
specifications.
Top
KNOX BOX
Any structure equipped with an automated sprinkler
system, elevator, commercial or industrial buildings, or pool shall
have a knox box. A knox box is a vault in which the keys to
the structure are stored. The box is usually mounted to the
right of the front door. Applications for this program are
available through the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Top
HEATING
AND VENTILATION UNITS
Heating and ventilation units require regular service. Develop
and use preventative maintenance programs for all mechanical
equipment. Keep motors free of grease and dust. Check filters
regularly and change them when necessary. Make sure fresh air
returns/vents are kept clean and open to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning.
Top
LAUNDRY ROOMS
A laundry room is another area of fire hazard. Lint and
combustible debris can accumulate behind the dryer, and can ignite
easily when heated.
| Clean dryer lint screens after each use. |
| Dryer vents should be continuous to the outside. |
| Clean dryer and washer motors as needed to eliminate grease
and lint accumulation. |
| Gas vents for water heaters and dryers should be maintained in
good repair and continuous to the outside.
Top
DUMPSTERS
|
Locate dumpsters away from buildings. Maintain a five (5) foot
separation from combustible construction and eaves. The intent is
that in the event of a fire in the dumpster, the fire may be
contained to the dumpster and not spread to adjacent buildings.
Top
STORAGE OF
COMBUSTIBLES
Storage of combustibles in furnace rooms, electrical rooms and
mechanical rooms is not allowed. Fire Departments see situations
where wood, cardboard, paper, plastic, clothes, etc., are stored or
discarded wherever the people in the building can find room. This
includes inside the rooms where sources of ignition are most common.
Most often there is no order to these articles and the increased
fire load from unnecessary accumulations of combustibles adds to and
increases the likelihood of a fire.
If a furnace is in a large open basement where storage is needed,
a one hour fire separation can be built around the furnace that
includes 2x4 inch stud walls with 5/8 inch Type X sheetrock on both
sides of the walls. Proper venting needs to be included, so we
insist that the Building Department be involved with approved plans
and a building permit before we will accept the separation.
Storage rooms and storage areas need to be kept in an orderly
manner, with thought given to need, quantity, order and location.
Many people use areas under stairs for storage. This is not allowed
as means of egress can not be put in jeopardy in a fire.
Remember that people have a need for storage, so in an effort to
accommodate this need, use common sense by using designated areas,
limiting the amount, and getting rid of combustibles that are not
needed and add unnecessary fire load to the building.
Top
ELECTRICAL
Many apartment fires are caused by electrical problems. These
include improper use of extension cords, damaged flexible cords,
overloaded circuits, and defective appliances.
Electrical installations and wiring throughout the home or
apartment should be installed by a qualified electrician, in
accordance with the National Electrical Code.
Extension cords: Do not use these as a replacement for permanent
electrical wiring. Extension cords are designed for temporary
use only. They should be kept free from damage, and the wiring size
should be appropriate for the amperage of the appliance it is
supplying. Use only UL listed cords.
Flexible cords: Maintain flexible cords to appliances
(i.e. lamps, toasters, etc.) in good condition and place them where
they are not subject to damage. Replace damaged, frayed, dried, or
cracked cords.
Overloaded circuits: These can occur when too many
appliances are plugged into one circuit, exceeding the capacity of
the wiring, heating the wiring, and possibly starting a fire. Never
plug in more appliances than the receptacle will accept. Two plugs
are usually allowed in a typical household receptacle.
Never allow tenants to run extension cords from one apartment to
another to supply power to an apartment without electricity.
Top
BARBECUE GRILLS
Use only enough charcoal lighter to start the
fire. Keep the flame low. Never use gasoline to start the fire.
Keep the grill lid closed when cooking or waiting for charcoal to
properly heat.
When cooking, the grill should be constantly attended.
Have an approved fire extinguisher close by and know how to use
it.
Let coals cool overnight or wet the ashes thoroughly prior to
disposal. Dispose of ashes by placing them into a metal container
with a tight-fitting metal lid.
Keep matches, lighters, and combustible liquids out of reach and
out of sight of children.
Do not use or store barbecue grills on common balconies used for
exiting.
The use of any cooking device on balconies is strictly
prohibited.
Top
LPG/NATURAL GAS
(LPG/Propane Use and Storage/Natural Gas)
It is strongly recommended that LPG cylinders (such
as barbecues) not be used or stored inside buildings or on
balconies, but preferably in a secured shaded area outside, away
from building openings and stairs. If a cylinder leaks or vents,
flammable vapors may travel inside buildings.
Check rubber "O" rings and supply hose every time the
cylinder is filled.
Protect natural gas meters and piping from damage by vehicles.
Top
WORKING WITH
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The information provided on this page, regarding fire and life
safety, is intended to raise your awareness of safety issues and
assist you in recognizing potential problems. To supplement the
information in this manual, the Elmwood Park Fire Department is
available for use in employee and tenant training. On-going
education and training is essential.
As a manager or landlord, you have the ability to significantly
reduce safety hazards by being observant and by following up on
concerns forwarded to you by tenants.
Tenant Complaints
Occasionally complaints are received and evaluated by the
Elmwood Park Fire Prevention Bureau. The first question asked is,
"Have you notified your apartment manager or landlord?"
If not, it is usually suggested they notify the manager prior to
any intervention by the Elmwood Park Fire Department.
If fire department intervention occurs, an inspector will first
discuss the concern with the manager and perform an inspection to
evaluate the situation. If a problem exists, the inspector will
then present recommended solutions to the manager and agree on a
reasonable time frame for correction.
Manager Complaints/Landlord Complaints
If the tenant is maintaining an unsafe condition, the fire
department, when requested by the manager or landlord, will
determine if intervention is called for and the type of
intervention necessary. Often, as a manager or landlord, the lease
may allow you the ability to act on a problem, depending on the
nature of the situation.
Top
CONDUCTING
PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
Fire safety checks can easily be included during your inspection
of the building. Since an unsafe condition in a tenant's apartment
can affect other tenants, it is crucial the condition be corrected.
Questions about specific problems can be addressed by contacting the
Elmwood Park Fire Prevention Bureau.
The Elmwood Park Fire Department tries to include all apartment
buildings and congregate residences (5 or more non-related people)
in an annual inspection of the property. The fire department tries
to gain access to common areas such as furnace rooms, laundry rooms,
halls, and storage areas. Try to leave these areas unlocked if
possible. The fire department is looking for such problems as
non-working smoke alarms, non- maintained fire extinguishers,
unnecessary combustibles, blocked exits, addressing, openable
windows in sleeping rooms, and combustibles in furnace rooms etc.
Top
COMMUNITY
SAFETY COMMITTEE
A safety committee may be formed to provide management with
additional input into developing fire evacuation plans, fire safety,
and other safety matters. The committee may also solicit and receive
notification of safety concerns from tenants. If requested, the fire
department will gladly provide assistance with training safety
committees. Fire and life safety video tapes are available with
Elmwood Park Fire Prevention personnel doing a presentation.
Top
COMMUNITY
NEWSLETTER
A newsletter may be helpful in keeping tenants informed of
important issues within the complex. Fire safety information on
topics pertinent to apartment fire safety may be included. The fire
department has information which may be printed in your newsletter.
Top
APARTMENT
CHECKLIST
| True/False
___ ___ Smoke detectors are installed and operating
properly.
___ ___ All exterior doors and locking devices are in
good working order so, in the event of a fire, tenants can
exit quickly.
___ ___ Windows open easily so they could be used as
an alternate exit in the event of fire.
___ ___ Stove vent hoods, ducts, cooking surfaces,
and cabinets are free of accumulated grease.
___ ___ The apartment number is properly posted.
___ ___ If a barbecue grill is used, there is a
closed metal container for ash storage.
___ ___ All fireplace chimneys are cleaned regularly
and checked for leaks by a qualified person.
___ ___ There are no obvious electrical problems
(i.e. blackened areas around electrical plugs, badly damaged
cords).
___ ___ There are no excessive quantities of
flammable and/or combustible liquids stored in the
apartments.
___ ___ Unnecessary accumulations of combustible
materials are eliminated, and the remainder stored away from
sources of ignition.
___ ___ GFI (ground fault interrupter) receptacles
are functioning properly. Push the test button. The power
should now be cut to the receptacle. By pushing the reset
button, power is restored. GFIs are typically installed in
bathrooms and near kitchen sinks and may prevent
shock/electrocution accidents.
CORRECT ALL THE "FALSE"
ANSWERS TODAY! |
Top |
