Buildings are equipped with a variety of features that are designed to stop the spread of fire, detect it or suppress it.  Features are also in place that assist the occupants in getting out in a safe and efficient manner while at the same time allowing quick access for responding personnel.

Emergency Access & Egress

Emergency access and egress are critical during an emergency situation such as a fire. During a fire, timing and quick response are essential to save lives and property. Effective emergency access ensures that fire trucks can reach a building in time to extinguish the fire. Unobstructed emergency egress ensures that building occupants can exit a building to safety.

These definitions help clarify the concept of emergency access and egress:

• Emergency Access:
  • Pertinent facilities and equipment remain available and unobstructed at all times to ensure effective fire detection, evacuation, suppression, and response.  

• Emergency Egress (means of egress):
  • A continuous and unobstructed way to travel from any point in a public building to a public way. A means of egress may include horizontal and vertical travel routes, including intervening rooms, doors, hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, courts, and yards. 

IMPORTANT:

Each location within a building must have a clear means of egress to the outside.

The following sections offer safety guidelines and procedures for maintaining emergency access and egress.

Fire Doors

A fire door serves as a barrier to limit the spread of fire and restrict the movement of smoke. Unless they are held open by the automatic systems, fire doors should remain closed at all times. Do not tamper with fire doors or block them with equipment, potted plants, furniture, etc.

Fire doors are normally located in stairwells, corridors, and other areas required by Fire Code. The door, door frame, locking mechanism, and closure are rated between 20 minutes and three hours. A fire door rating indicates how long the door assembly can withstand heat and a water hose stream.

Always keep fire doors closed. If it is necessary to keep a fire door open, have a special closure installed. This closure will connect the fire door to the building’s fire alarm system, and will automatically close the door if the alarm system activates.

IMPORTANT:

Know which doors are fire doors and keep them closed to protect building occupants and exit paths from fire and smoke. Never block a fire door with a non-approved closure device such as a door stop, block of wood, or potted plant. For fire doors with approved closure devices, make sure that nothing around the door can impede the closure.

Never alter a fire door or assembly in any way. Simple alterations such as changing a lock or installing a window can lessen the fire rating of the door.

Doors to offices, laboratories, and classrooms help act as smoke barriers regardless of their fire rating. Keep these doors closed whenever possible.

REMEMBER:

A closed door is the best way to protect your path to safety from the spread of smoke and fire.

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Automatic Fire Sprinklers

The purpose of water sprinkler systems is to help extinguish and minimize the spread of fires. Sprinklers are normally activated only by heat.

To ensure that sprinklers are effective in the event of a fire, maintain at least 18 inches of clearance between any equipment or storage items and the ceiling. (Anything close to the ceiling can defeat the sprinkler system.)

Never hang anything from a sprinkler head. Arrange work areas to facilitate sprinklers and allow even water distribution.

The Facts

• Automatic fire sprinklers have been in use in the U.S. since 1874.

• Fire sprinklers are widely recognized as the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in their early stages - before they can cause severe injury to people and damage to property.

• When one fire sprinkler head goes off to fight a fire the entire sprinkler system does NOT activate. Sprinklers react to temperatures in individual rooms.

• The chances of a fire sprinkler accidentally going off are extremely remote.

• Installation of fire sprinklers can provide discounts on insurance premiums.

• The costs for installing fire sprinkler systems in buildings 6 to 8 stories high ranges from under a dollar to about $2.00 per square foot in most new construction and from about $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot for retrofitting sprinklers in existing buildings.

• The installation of fire sprinklers in new residential construction is estimated to make up around 1% of the total building cost. (Similar to the cost of new carpet)

• Over 200 U.S. communities have residential sprinkler laws. Roughly 100 of these communities are in California. In downtown Fresno for example, there has been fire damage of only $42,000 during a 10-year period in which its sprinklering law has been in effect.

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, property damage in hotel fires was 78% less in structures with sprinklers than it was in structures without sprinklers during the years 1983-87. (Average loss per fire was $2,300 in sprinklered buildings and $10,300 in unsprinklered buildings.)

• Nearly half of all hotels and motels, according to a 1988 survey by NFPA, have sprinkler systems.

• NFPA has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a completely sprinklered building where the system was properly operating, except in an explosion or flash fire or where industrial fire brigade members or employees were killed during fire suppression operations.

Conclusion

The National Fire Protection Association outlines several major strategies that are key to reductions in fire losses and especially in home fire deaths, which are 78.3% of the total fire deaths. They are:

• More, and more widespread, public fire safety education on how to prevent fires and how to avoid serious injury or death if fire occurs.
• Residential fire safety initiatives remain the key to reductions in the overall fire death toll.
• Wider use and proper maintenance of smoke detectors, coupled with practiced home escape plans.
• Wider use of residential sprinklers.
• Additional efforts to make home products more fire-safe, such as less fire-prone cigarettes and child-resistant lighters.
• Addressing the special protection needs of high-risk groups, such as the young, older adults and the poor.

American Fire Sprinkler Association

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Pull Stations

Fire alarm manual pull stations are installed to manually activate a building’s alarms in addition to the automatic fire sensing devices. When pulled manually, a pull station activates the fire alarm system and notifies University personnel that an emergency exists. Pull stations are located near exit stairways and/or building exits.

• If you smell smoke or if you see smoke or a fire, complete these steps:
  • Pull a manual pull station to evacuate the area.
    
  • Once you evacuate the area, and are in a safe
    location, call 9-1-1.

Emergency horns/bells and lights are located throughout University buildings with fire alarm systems. They are typically found near emergency pull stations.  Do not block emergency horns or lights.  Report damaged or defective horns and lights to appropriate faculty or staff personnel.

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Y / N

Y / N

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Did you answer “NO” to any of the questions?
If so, keep reading to learn the answers to the most common questions about lifesaving smoke alarms.

Why should my home have smoke alarms?

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home from fire.

Okay, Where do I put them?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or above eye level on the walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Where would I get smoke alarms?

Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call 393.8484 and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.

Are smoke alarms hard to install?

Not a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. San Marcos Fire Rescue will install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call 393.8484 if you have problems installing a smoke alarm or can't afford to purchase one on your own.

How do I keep my smoke alarm working?

Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember:

1. Simply replace the batteries at least once a year. Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a 10-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replace the batteries and retest it.

2. Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

What if the alarm goes off while I am cooking?

Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.

How long will my smoke alarm last?

About 8 to 10 years, after which time they should be replaced. Like most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit. That way, you’ll know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.

Anything else I should know?

Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.

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Rental Properties and Smoke Detectors

Responsibilities of Landlords

• Install working smoke alarms as required by code and following the manufacturers instructions.

• Buildings constructed prior to 1980 may have battery powered alarms installed. Smoke alarms installed in buildings constructed since 1980 should receive their primary power source from building wiring.

• All smoke alarms should carry the approval of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) Testing Laboratories.

• Inspect and test alarms when a unit becomes vacant. Smoke alarms should be repaired or replaced before the rental unit is reoccupied.

• Instruct tenants on the purpose, operation and maintenance of the devices. Provide written notice to tenants describing their responsibility to maintain smoke alarms.

Responsibilities of Tenants

• Maintain smoke alarms in good working order. This involves testing the detector monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as regularly cleaning the alarm with a vacuum.

• If the smoke alarm is battery operated, the tenant is responsible for replacing the battery once each year using the battery type listed on the alarm.

• Caution: If you live in an apartment building with wired-in smoke alarms, check with your landlord for correct testing and maintenance procedures.

Inform your landlord of this legal requirement by showing him/her this information. Ask your landlord to supply you with the necessary smoke alarms as soon as possible. If you live in the City of San Marcos, call Code Enforcement at 393-8470 if an approved and operable smoke alarm is not provided upon request.

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