How many of you think about an escape plan, in the place where you are staying while on vacation? We are staying in a place that firefighters once called a taxpayer, a business on the first floor with living space above it. This is a three-story condominium, where you enter and go straight up a set of stairs. The living space is on the second and third floors. The second floor has a family room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two full baths, while the third floor has a bedroom with a full bath. It looks like this condo sits in the midst of about seven other condos. I noticed a butt can outside one of the entrances, which indicates a smoker or smokers. These condos are fully sprinklered with smoke alarms throughout the unit, though not protected on the outside. Firefighters would face a bit of a challenge getting to the sprinkler connection, as it is a sidewall connection, surrounded by bushes and other equipment. The windows on the second floor lead to two porch roofs. There is also a door that leads to a wooden balcony. I see a gas grill in a closet that probably gets used on that balcony, which is against fire code in most locations. The third floor windows would be the perfect scenario for a rescue ladder.
The chances of a fire occurring in this condominium complex are higher because it is a multi-family building setting, and this is a good point but, this condo is extremely well protected. Statistics would say that the survival rate in this type of occupancy, with protection, is as high as it can be. The danger is that, even though this building has smoke alarms and is protected by a sprinkler system, people do not consider what they will do, if a fire does occur. The greatest problem would be smoke. The best escape is always out the main entrance door, but steps could cause a challenge, depending on the location of the fire. The balcony that I spoke of is not protected by sidewall sprinkler heads, probably due to the potential of freezing during winter.
How could a fire occur in the condo that we are staying in? The obvious would be the kitchen. There is a sprinkler head in the kitchen area that would most likely suppress or at least hold the fire in check. An electrical malfunction could also cause a fire. The panel box is located behind the door in one of the second floor bedrooms. If the grill is used on the second floor balcony, then there is a possibility of a fire starting there. Another cause of a fire could be a lightning strike. The chances of the attic space being protected by sprinklers is pretty minimal and not something that I will be able to determine, unless I decide to go up into the attic, probably not.
You might say, who thinks about all of these things, especially on vacation? I can say that some of the most precious people in my life are here with me this week. Do I expect something to go wrong, probably not? My next task is to talk with everyone about my observations and yes; they will think that I am as crazy as you probably think – once a firefighter, always a firefighter.
Another reason that I wrote this article is that I needed something to write about. I hope that you have a great summer and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Considering those things that will keep your family safe is part of enjoying your vacation.
