Safety is always an important aspect of any rental. All tenants want to live in a place where they feel secure and landlords need to provide a safe place for their renters to live.
This safety goes beyond having locks on the doors and ensuring that there’s no mold or faulty electrical wiring. It includes preparing for an emergency, such as a fire or major gas leak, and providing a quick means of escape so that anyone in the building can get out safely. Today we’ll dive into what a fire escape is and how it protects renters when the worst happens.
What is a fire escape?
A fire escape provides an alternate means of escape if a fire or other dangerous event occurs within a building. It is typically a set of stairs or ladders located in an easily accessible place, such as a window, balcony or common hallway.
Types of fire escapes
While all fire escapes have the same main purpose, they may differ in design, determined by a building’s age, layout and size.
Fire escape staircases
In larger buildings, like those found in apartment complexes, fire escape staircases are usually the most effective. They allow for many people to access them at the same time to reach the ground floor of the building. Typically, they are located on every floor of a building at the ends of hallways, making them easy to find and access in the event of an emergency.
Fire escape ladders
Fire escape ladders come in multiple forms and have evolved over the years. You’ll find them in rentals with multiple floors, whether it’s a two-story house or a five-story apartment building.
Fire escape ladders can be permanently fixed to the exteriors of large buildings. But they need regular maintenance or they may pose a hazard due to rust and exposure to the elements. Permanent fire escape ladders are made of metal and located near windows so residents can escape.
Another type of fire escape ladder is a non-permanent or portable ladder. Such ladders are made of metal, sometimes rope and wood. They can collapse to fit into a small area or container and open quickly if there’s an emergency. These ladders should be inspected periodically to ensure that they’re still good to use.
What are fire escape requirements?
Fire escapes are subject to safety standards and regulations, which vary depending on the type of building and its location. In the U.S., fire escapes are typically required to meet the International Building Code, which sets out the minimum standards for fire safety. These standards include minimum width, stairways and handrails and other construction requirements.
Accordingly, fire escapes should also be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they remain safe and functional. In addition to meeting building codes and regulations, it is important to consider the specific needs of the building when designing and installing a fire escape. The size and layout of the fire escape should be appropriate for the size and occupancy of the building, and should also provide an easy and direct route to safety. It is also important to consider factors such as lighting, access and visibility when designing a fire escape.
Have a fire escape plan
A fire escape is an important safety feature in any building or home. By understanding what a fire escape is and its basic requirements, you can ensure that your building is equipped with an effective means of escape if there’s ever an emergency. Familiarize yourself with your rental’s fire escape and make a personal safety plan to follow so you can be prepared if an emergency occurs.
To learn more common renter terms, visit our Renter Dictionary.