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February 18, 2007
Not Just in the North
The International Association of Fire Chiefs just put out a press release saying that the last two weeks have been one of the deadliest periods on record for fire deaths in residences. I know that not a day has gone by recently, that I haven't seen two or three stories about fires in condos or HOA's. Some have been large and some fatal. And -- not all have been in the north, where furnace, fireplace and heater fires are expected.
I think a lot of this has to do with people who don't the time or resources to take some type of preventive measures, as well as just taking things for granted. So why not bring it front and center for the people in your community.
Start with a special notice highlighting the potential problems (common walls, attics for condo's - proximity of buildings for HOA's) and asking them have they done the following:
Had the furnace cleaned and inspected?
Had the fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected?
Do they have any candles anywhere near flammable material, such as drapes, table cloths etc.?
When was the last time they tested the smoke detector, or changed its/their batteries?
What's the expiration date on your fire extinguisher? Do you have a fire extinguisher?
If you have a number of elderly people in your community, why not form an ad hoc committee to help them out? Test their smoke detector, change the batteries, check the furnace cleaning date, see if they boil water for tea or coffee on the stove, or if they have a hot water pot with an auto shut-off? Are they using room space heaters to cut down on heating bills (aid programs might help here)? In other words, help look out for a neighbor's safety.
As an association:
Do you have a rule requiring grills or barbecues to be at least 10' from a structure's walls?
If you have common building, or pool equipment rooms, when was the last time you checked heaters, chimneys, alarms, etc.?
Do you know when - or if, the fire hydrants have been checked
Are the fire lanes clear - I mean really clear?
It really doesn't take a lot to make a community a little safer from fire. It takes a lot to wade through the ashes of a multi-family building trying to help them find any memento to take to their temporary residence.
Posted by joewest at February 18, 2007 2:24 PM