Maintaining Fire Safety Protections During COVID-19
Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone in a variety of ways. People are staying inside their homes and practicing social distancing in order to avoid catching the deadly virus. For building or rental property owners, the need to protect employees or tenants remains the same. It is important that during this time of uncertainty that Chicago fire safety protocols are still followed. Property owners must maintain fire safety protections at this time, particularly since buildings may have more people inside at one time than before.
Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
During this time, portable fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire alarms must continue to be checked and inspected on a regular basis. If you do the inspections yourself, it is recommended that a mask be worn as you move throughout the building. When hiring a professional to do the inspection for you, they can wear a mask or other personal protective equipment to feel safe in your building as they complete the process.
In an apartment building, you can send out an email or letter explaining the upcoming inspection of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire alarms. These systems need to be functioning properly to keep people safe. You can ask tenants to stay inside their homes during this time so they the technician can complete the review as quickly as possible. If tenants must leave their apartment, ask them to practice social distancing and stay six feet from the technician.
Continued Inspections
Even though we are in the midst of a pandemic, inspection, testing and maintenance must continue. Your building will need to be reviewed as scheduled. Chicago fire safety protocols require that local authorities review your property as needed.
Special precautions will be taken at this time to keep everyone safe. You can expect the inspector to wear a mask for protection and possibly more personal protective equipment. The systems must be inspected to ensure the safety of those inside in the event of a fire, but local and federal guidelines must also be followed during this time of crisis.
If you have an inspection coming up, talk to the inspector about how safety protocols can be followed during the pandemic. The inspector as well as your tenants need to be protected.
People Connection
At this time of uncertainty, continue to speak to your tenants or employees about what is going on. Reach out about concerns regarding COVID-19 as well as explain that you are still maintaining fire safety protocols as needed for the building.
The people who work or live inside the building need to feel a sense of security during this scary time. Having an online message board, social media page or even email option will help tenants or employees to be able to stay in contact with you and know what is going on at this time.
Use this form of communication to report any inspections or other fire safety concerns so everyone is on the same page.
Taking time to maintain fire safety protocols at this time is a must. Be sure you are following inspection needs carefully and have your fire safety measures in place to protect those inside the building.