The two most important things for any building are early warning detection and the ability to get out.
All fire codes are modeled around this fundamental concept.
The Town of Webb has the same set of fire codes as any other town, village or city.
The fire codes are part of the more comprehensive set of codes known as the International Building Code of New York.
Within NYS law, it is also referred to as the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, “The Uniform Code.”
Some of the larger areas such as major cities, large populated townships, maybe even counties, may have even more restrictive fire code standards than what is prescribed in the State Fire Code.
However, to have a legally binding fire or building code standard that is more restrictive than the Uniform Code, that municipality must obtain approval through the NYS Department of State.
Some of the most common and more restrictive standards may include sprinkler systems required in all buildings without exception, fire & smoke detections and warning systems in all buildings without exceptions or all new construction, including remodeling, shall be of non-combustible materials.
Increased exiting provisions are another typical more restrictive standard.
In each of these examples, the intent is not only to reduce the chance of fire; it is to provide for the earliest possible detection and warning of fire and to enhance the ability to get out safely by slowing the spread of fire throughout the building, thus increasing the time to get out.
Early detection & warning and the ability to get out… It’s a pretty simple concept.
Take a look at history. Unfortunately, some of the worst and most catastrophic fires all come down to very similar causes.
Sure, something started the fire to begin with. Usually something pretty stupid like open flames, candles on tables, some crazy fireworks display indoors [hello??], faulty or overloaded wiring, something started the fire.
But what happens when the fire gets going? Was the fire or smoke detected and an audible and visual alarm system activated?
Did one or two sprinkler heads open because heat broke the link, which allowed the sprinkler to suppress the fire before it progressed? Were the exits blocked?
Did people run away from where the fire was only to find the exit doors swung in, thus crushing the first 10 to 20 people at the exit?
Even if the exits swung out right and were not blocked inside, was the path of exit away from the building free and clear, or was that blocked by snow, parked cars, garbage cans or anything for that matter?
Were the only exits at one end of the building or large room, and the fire started near the exit… now what do you do?
Panic, hysteria, confusion, screaming, pushing… all this leads to a catastrophic event.
And when there are no sprinklers to provide for quick suppression, fire will travel fast… really fast, seconds can be the difference between life and death. Minutes can often mean it’s too late.
Again… Early detection and warning AND the ability to get out are the most fundamental concept of life safety for any building… even your own home.
So this Holiday season, when you go to your favorite restaurant, store, bar, nightclub, show or whatever… look for the exits. Are they clear?
Look for the exit signs, can you see them? Has the outside been shoveled? Know where you are and be aware of your surroundings.
Remember, there is only one person who can get out of a house by going up the chimney.
That’s an interesting idea… How can the Uniform Code include automatic vertical escape chutes for emergencies???
Have a safe and fantastic Holiday.