Fire Safety Learning Center

Stay on Top of the Lighting in Your Chicago Building Have you ever been to a building and noticed that some of the light bulbs weren’t working? How about going to a building at night and you can’t see to get in as the lighting outside is burned out? This is not only annoying, it is unsafe. As a Chicago property owner, you must ensure that all lighting both inside and out is working properly at all times. If you have an event such as a fire break out or another building issue where evacuation is necessary, it is up to...

Is Your Apartment Safe in a Fire? Apartments are a great place to live in the big city of Chicago. You can easily access work, play, and shopping from your home right in the center of the city. There are many properties to choose from. However, you need to know that your building is fire safe and that the emergency lights that are required are in place. Whether you’re a property manager seeking compliance or an apartment tenant, here are the things you need to know when it comes to fire safety in Chicago. Requirements of NFPA for Exit Signs When...

Spring Fire Safety Checklist As a condominium owner in Chicago, it is very important to stay updated on the latest fire safety regulations and to ensure your building is safe. One way to do that is by making sure all your fire safety precautions are in place and working as they should every so often. Since spring is just around the corner, it’s time to do a fire safety check up on your condo. Make sure that your rental property in Chicago is prepared and fire safe with these areas in place. Check Smoke Detectors Remind all your tenants to replace...

Power outages may seem like a rare occurance; something that happens so infrequently that it would be foolish to dwell on their possibility. But are you prepared for the lights to go out? Any building that hosts a large amount of people, whether residential or commercial, is required by law to have emergency lights installed in the event of a crisis. Sometimes, a loss of power can be the result of a fire, caused by electrical malfunction (short circuits, improper wiring, etc.). In this case, a lack of lighting can be deadly. The chief responsibility of an emergency lighting system is...

The City of Chicago has specific codes regarding emergency egress sign-age (what products may be used and where these products must be placed). These codes are covered in section 13-160 of the Chicago Municipal Code. The City of Chicago has the following requirements for exit signs: Signs must be rectangular 20 gauge sheet metal box with a glass or plastic faceSigns must be red lettering on whiteThe letters and arrows of exit signs and exit sign/emergency light combos are MANDATED to be red.Directional Arrows are beneath the sign lettering and are the same width as the letteringAll Exits Signs need to...