Fire Safety under the Fire Code

We have all learned about fire safety, either when we were in grade school, or as adults. Some things are simply good common sense, others are not quite so obvious. What exactly do you know about fire safety? Do you know enough to save your life or those of your family members? Educating yourself and your family concerning fire safety could be the difference between life and death. Even in public buildings, being aware of the codes and laws that govern fire safety, can benefit you as well as increase the level of your safety.

The local fire department most usually handles the inspection of public buildings to insure they are following the guidelines for proper fire protection measures. These members of the local fire departments are Fire Prevention Officers. They often give presentations in schools and other organized meetings to educate the public, specifically children, about fire safety. The chief FP officer is responsible for training newcomers to the division, and conducting the regulated inspections. These inspections are scheduled at certain dates and times concurrent with the age of the building being taken into consideration. Any violations of the fire code are punishable by a number of ways, and must be corrected or the building risks being shut down. This fire code is a set of rules that have been adopted by lawmakers to suit the region or area they are in, and the primary enforcers of these rules are the fire prevention officers. The fire code should not be confused with the building code. The building code is relevant to the fire code, and must build to fit occupancy rates, fire exits, etc. as specified by the fire code for that size/design building. The fire code covers the ins and outs of the design, as far as how many people may occupy the building, and even what activities may be pursued in said building. Hazards are listed by the fire code, as to which kind/ amounts are allowed and the rules for their disposal or containment as well. Any recreational exhibitions involving fire (fireworks) most usually require an additional application to be filed with the fire department and town hall for a license, either temporary or standing.

The following are some of the stipulations stated in the fire codes for the average building. The maximum occupancy listing is not to be exceeded for any reason. All exits must be lit or labeled with proper signs in the event of a power outage. Fire alarms and extinguishers are mandatory not a choice. Proper/safe storage of flammable materials is also required. Flammable materials are to be stored in designated areas ONLY! Control panels for fire alarms need to be installed to allow quick detection of fires. Educate building occupants on fire safety to give these individuals the knowledge to protect themselves. Conduct mandatory fire drills randomly throughout each year to ensure everyone is on the same page with what to do in the event of a fire.

These are only a small number of the rules and regulations that are to be followed in public and private buildings. The fire department is responsible for random checks to ensure that all fire codes are being followed. Due to there being so many buildings in one town, let alone an entire city or state, you can imagine how busy it keeps the Fire Inspector. Most towns now have offices that house the Fire Inspector and his or her staff, where they are easily accessible by the public concerning fire safety, fire codes, and regulations. Following the fire code for each building is not only for the safety of everyone, but also the law. Failure to follow these rules can result in stiff fines as well as having the building closed down for business either temporarily, or permanently. Because the lawmakers have our best interests at heart, they have worked to set up the fire code to best ensure the safety of everyone that enters any building anywhere. Doing our part to help would be following simple rules that are most often posted in each building. Teach your children by example, and help them possibly save their lives.