Safety Items: Is Your Condo Prepared For An Emergency?

Safety Items: Is Your Condo Prepared For An Emergency?

As a property owner or manager, you need to realize the responsibility you have to keep your Chicago condominium tenants safe at all times. You can be held liable if something goes on in your building that puts people’s lives in danger and someone is injured or worse. Did you know that you could be held responsible for the monetary repayment for that tenant? It is important that you work with an experienced Chicago fire safety expert to make sure that your building is prepared for all emergency situations that may arise.

Here are a few items you should discuss with your fire safety expert technician in Chicago to ensure your building, and your tenants, are protected.

Sprinkler Systems

Not all condominiums in Chicago have sprinkler systems but they are a great addition to consider. These safety items can help keep a fire contained to a certain area instead of allowing it to freely move once it has caught on. This can help to prevent damage to the whole building if a fire ever breaks out in your Chicago property.

Fire Extinguishers

Did you know that the laws in Chicago require condominium owners to have extinguishers installed in various locations? Not only should have them installed, they also require a certain type of extinguisher depending on what building you own, how many tenants, etc. It is important that when you’re installing or checking your extinguishers that you work with an experienced fire safety technician in Chicago to make sure that you’re in compliance with all laws and regulations. The types of extinguishers available include water, dry powder, CO2 models, and foam models. You can discuss your options with your technician to see which model is recommended for your situation.

Smoke Alarms

It is highly critical that you have ample smoke alarms installed throughout your Chicago property. You should not only have them installed, but you should also have them checked on a regular basis to ensure they are in working order. Batteries need to be replaced and the units themselves can also expire. Working with a company such as Connected Fire Safety Services in Chicago can make sure you’re in compliance and your tenants are protected. Smoke alarms can mean the difference in life or death when it comes to a fire situation.

Emergency Exits and Stairwells

You must have all the exits clearly marked so that they are visible in an emergency situation. Imagine, for example, a fire breaks out and your tenants on the 5th floor must be able to evacuate. If they can’t see the stairs for the smoke, how can they get out of the building safely? Smoke and fire can cause people to become disoriented and can cost lives if the exits are not clearly marked. The lack of markings can also cost you, as the property owner, a pretty penny in fines. It is important that all exits are clearly marked and that you regularly check and maintain these signs as well.