408-02 Residential Fire Safety Notice NY

Owners of apartment buildings (three or more apartments) are required to post an Emergency Preparedness Notice on the inside of all apartment entrance doors and in the lobby or common area.

  • Downloads this form FROM OUR SITE FOR FREE-FIRE PROOF OR NON FIRE PROOF

For more information, go to FDNY’s Rules webpage. Tenants – if there is no notice on your apartment door, contact your building owner/manager or notify FDNY at

 

STEP 1: Post in the lobby the fire safety notice -fireproof  or non fire proof from aluminum size 8.5x11 ( hpd does not allowed paper to be posted) 

STEP 2 : Post inside tenant door the fire safety notice- Fireproof building  or Non fire proof Building size 8.5x5.5 ( Sticker hpd does not allowed paper to be posted)

Step 3: Downloads this form FROM OUR SITE FOR FREE

Step 4: MAIL TO TENANT ON OCTOBER Fire Prevention Week OR ON JANUARY WITH lead paint/window guard information (the process more efficient) -CERTIFIED MAIL 

 

 § 408-02 Residential Fire Safety Guides and Notices (a) Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures for the preparation, posting and/or distribution of residential fire safety guides and notices required pursuant to FC408.9. (b) General Provisions (1) Applicability. This section applies to all buildings or parts thereof in Occupancy Group R-2, except: (A) buildings or parts thereof subject to the provisions of FC404.2.1(8); and (B) school and college dormitories, unless such dormitories are required to comply with this section pursuant to FC408.10. (2) Fire safety guides. The owner of a building or part thereof subject to this section shall prepare a fire safety guide and distribute such guide to the occupants thereof in compliance with the requirements of FC408.9 and R408-02(c). (3) Fire safety notices. The owner of a building or part thereof subject to this section shall prepare, post and maintain fire safety notices in compliance with the requirements of FC408.9 and R408-02(d). (4) Access to dwelling units. Tenants and other occupants of dwelling units in buildings and parts thereof subject to this section shall allow the owner of such premises access to such dwelling unit, upon reasonable notice, for purposes of compliance with this section. (c) Fire Safety Guide Requirements (1) Purpose. The fire safety guide shall serve to inform occupants of the building, including building service employees, of the building’s construction, fire protection systems, means of egress, and evacuation and other procedures to be followed in the event of fire in the building. (3) Content. The fire safety guide shall consist of two (2) sections: a building information section and a fire emergency information section. The fire emergency information section shall reproduce the entire text of that section as set forth in the sample fire safety guide annexed hereto as Appendix 1. The building information section shall be completed by the owner with the following information: (A) The address of the premises. A separate fire safety guide shall be prepared for each building, except buildings that have common means of egress. (B) The name and address of the owner of the building or the owner’s representative, unless the fire safety guide is prepared on a letterhead containing such information. For purposes of the fire safety guide, the owner’s representative shall be any person or company authorized by the owner to receive and respond to complaints, violations or questions regarding building fire safety. (C) The number of floors in the building, above and below ground level. (D) The year the building was constructed. (E) Whether the building is of combustible or non-combustible construction. For purposes of the fire safety guide, all buildings, including non-residential buildings containing residential occupancies, shall be deemed to be of “combustible construction” unless: (1) The current Certificate of Occupancy for the building issued by the Department of Buildings or a Letter of No Objection by same indicates that the building is of “non-combustible” construction or “fireproof” construction; or (2) If there is no Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection for the building, a registered design professional has provided written certification that the building is of “non-combustible” construction within the meaning of the 1968 or 2008 Building Code, or “fireproof” construction within the meaning of the Building Code in effect prior to 1968. (F) Whether the building is equipped with a sprinkler system, and if so, whether such sprinkler system protects the entire building or only certain areas, and, if only certain areas, specifying those areas (for example, “the compactor chute on each floor and the compactor room and boiler room in the basement”). (G) Whether the building is equipped with a fire alarm system, and if so: (1) the general location of the manual fire alarm boxes of such system (for example, “by the main entrance of building and next to the stairwell at each end of the corridor on each floor”); and (2) whether the manual fire alarm boxes, when activated, transmit an alarm to an approved central station that notifies the Department. (H) Whether the building is equipped with a one-way voice communication system pursuant to Building Code Section 907.2.12.2 (Exception 3), or other public address system (apart from any intercom system), and if so, the location of the speakers. (I) All means of egress from the building, and the general location and any identification number of such means of egress, including: (1) unenclosed interior stairwells; (2) enclosed interior stairwells; (3) exterior stairwells; (4) fire tower stairwells; (5) fire escapes; (6) all exits from the building (for example, “main entrance on first floor exiting onto 1st Avenue; service entrance from basement level exiting by ramp onto 5th Street; emergency exit (with alarm) from stairwell exiting on north side of building with access to 5th Street; rear entrance at basement level to rear yard with no access to street; emergency exit (with alarm) at top of stairwell to roof with no access to ground or adjoining buildings.”); (J) The date the fire safety guide was prepared; and (K) Any other fire safety information or requirements (including lease provisions, house rules or other private building regulations) that the owner may wish to include, such as restrictions on storage or decoration. Any private building regulations shall be clearly identified as such. (4) Accuracy of information. The owner of each building shall be responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in the building information section of the fire safety guide and for the accurate reproduction of the fire emergency section of such fire safety guide. (5) Distribution. The fire safety guide shall be distributed as follows: (A) To each dwelling unit in the building, or an occupant thereof, and to each building service employee: (B) on an annual basis, by hand delivery or mailing a copy by first class mail, during Fire Prevention Week (observed during the month of October), or, if the fire safety guide is distributed together with the window guard notices required by New York City Administrative Code §17-123, at such time as the rules of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene require the annual distribution of such window guard notices to be made; and (C) within 60 days of any material change in building conditions affecting the content of the fire safety guide, other than temporary repairs or maintenance work. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to relieve an owner of any residential building or part thereof of any duty to notify building occupants, the Department or other party that any fire protection system is not functional. (D) To a new occupant, by providing a copy at the time the lease, sublease or other agreement allowing occupancy of the dwelling unit is presented to the occupant for signature, or, if there is no written agreement, not later than at the date the occupant assumes occupancy of the premises. (E) To a new building service employee, by providing a copy to such employee not later than the date upon which the employee actually commences to perform duties at the premises. (F) Each distribution of the fire safety guide shall be documented by a United States Postal Service certificate of mailing or other official proof of mailing, or, if hand delivered, by receipt signed by an occupant of the dwelling unit or the building service employee, or by sworn affidavit of the employee or agent of the owner who actually delivered the fire safety guide, identifying the date and manner of delivery and the dwelling units to which it was delivered or the names of the occupants who received it. (6) Inspection. The owner shall make available for inspection upon request of any Department representative a copy of the last three (3) annual fire safety guides and proof of distribution. (d) Fire Safety Notice Requirements (1) Purpose. The fire safety notice shall serve to inform occupants of the building, including building service employees and visitors, as to the evacuation and other procedures to be followed in the event of fire in the building. (2) Form. Each fire safety notice shall be: (A) substantially similar in format to the sample fire safety notice annexed to this section as Appendix 2, and include all of the information contained in such sample fire safety notice; (B) printed on a single-sided sheet of paper framed under a clear plexiglas cover or laminated with a firm backing and designed to be affixed by mounting hardware or an adhesive, or printed on a matte-finish vinyl adhesive-backed decal not less than three (3) mils in thickness, using thermalprinting, screenprinting or other permanent, water-resistant printing technique; (C) 5½ inches by 8½ inches in size (excluding any frame), except that fire safety notices to be posted in the common area of the residential building or part thereof may be up to 8½ by 11 inches in size; (D) printed such that all text is clearly legible, using contrasting lettering and a type size not smaller than ten (10) point Times New Roman or equivalent; and (E) printed in the English language. The owner may print the fire safety notice in such other additional languages (including symbols) as the owner concludes would benefit the building occupants. In such event, the fire safety notice may exceed 5½ inches by 8½ inches in size. (3) Content. The fire safety notice shall reproduce the entire text of the sample fire notice annexed hereto as Appendix 2 that is applicable to the building, as follows: (A) Noncombustible construction. The text of this notice shall be used for dwelling unit doors and common areas when the building is of noncombustible construction within the meaning set forth in R408-02(c)(3)(E). (B) Combustible construction. The text of this notice shall be used for dwelling unit doors and common areas when the building is of combustible construction within the meaning set forth in R408-02(c)(3)(E). (4) Accuracy of information. The owner of each residential building or part thereof subject to the requirements of this section shall be responsible for the accurate reproduction of the fire safety notices. (5) Posting. (A) Location. A fire safety notice shall be posted in each of the following locations: (1) Dwelling unit door. On the inside surface of the front or main entrance door of each dwelling unit in the building. (2) Common area. In a conspicuous location near any common mailbox area customarily used by building occupants, or if there is no common mailbox area, in a conspicuous location in or near the elevators or main stairwell. (B) Method of posting. Each fire safety notice shall be securely affixed, by mounting hardware or an adhesive, to the door or wall such that no part of the fire safety notice (excluding any frame) is lower than four (4) feet from the floor, nor higher than five and a half (5½) feet from the floor. (C) Posting of Building Information Section. A copy of Part I of the fire safety guide (the building information section) shall be posted with the fire safety notice in the common area. Such posting shall be in the same form as the fire safety notice. (6) Maintenance and replacement. The owner shall maintain the fire safety notice in the common area and shall prepare and post any amended Part I (building information section) of the fire safety guide within sixty days of any material change in building conditions requiring such amended fire safety guide. The owner shall replace any missing or damaged notice on the dwelling unit door prior to any lawful change in occupancy of the dwelling unit. The owner shall replace any missing or damaged notice at any other time upon written request of the tenant. The tenant may be charged the reasonable cost of replacement. 

 

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§ 408-02 Residential Fire Safety Guides and Notices

(a) Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures for the preparation, posting and/or distribution of residential fire safety guides and notices required pursuant to FC408.9.

(b) General Provisions

(1) Applicability. This section applies to all buildings or parts thereof in Occupancy

Group R-2, except:

(A) buildings or parts thereof subject to the provisions of FC404.2.1(8); and

(B) school and college dormitories, unless such dormitories are required to

comply with this section pursuant to FC408.10.

(2) Fire safety guides. The owner of a building or part thereof subject to this section shall prepare a fire safety guide and distribute such guide to the occupants thereof in compliance with the requirements of FC408.9 and R408-02(c).

(3) Fire safety notices. The owner of a building or part thereof subject to this section shall prepare, post and maintain fire safety notices in compliance with the requirements of FC408.9 and R408-02(d).

(4) Access to dwelling units. Tenants and other occupants of dwelling units in buildings and parts thereof subject to this section shall allow the owner of such premises access to such dwelling unit, upon reasonable notice, for purposes of compliance with this section.

(c) Fire Safety Guide Requirements

(1) Purpose. The fire safety guide shall serve to inform occupants of the building, including building service employees, of the building’s construction, fire protection systems, means of egress, and evacuation and other procedures to be followed in the event of fire in the building.

(2) Form. A fire safety guide shall be:

(A) substantially similar in format to the sample fire safety guide annexed to this section as Appendix 1, and include all of the information contained in such sample fire safety guide;

(B) printed as a single-sided or double-sided document, stapled or bound, in full-page or booklet format, on paper not smaller than 8½ inches by 11 inches nor larger than 8½ inches by 14 inches in size;

(C) printed such that all text is clearly legible, using contrasting lettering and a type size not smaller than eleven (11) point Times New Roman or equivalent; and

(D) printed in English. The owner may print the fire safety guide in such other additional languages (including symbols) as the owner concludes would benefit building occupants.

(3) Content. The fire safety guide shall consist of two (2) sections: a building information section and a fire emergency information section. The fire emergency information section shall reproduce the entire text of that section as set forth in the sample fire safety guide annexed hereto as Appendix 1. The building information section shall be completed by the owner with the following information:

(A) The address of the premises. A separate fire safety guide shall be prepared for each building, except buildings that have common means of egress. (B) The name and address of the owner of the building or the owner’s representative, unless the fire safety guide is prepared on a letterhead containing such information. For purposes of the fire safety guide, the owner’s representative shall be any person or company authorized by the owner to receive and respond to complaints, violations or questions

regarding building fire safety.

(C) The number of floors in the building, above and below ground level.

(D) The year the building was constructed.

(E) Whether the building is of combustible or non-combustible construction.

For purposes of the fire safety guide, all buildings, including non-residential buildings containing residential occupancies, shall be deemed to be of “combustible construction” unless:

(1) The current Certificate of Occupancy for the building issued by the Department of Buildings or a Letter of No Objection by same indicates that the building is of “non-combustible” construction or “fireproof” construction; or

(2) If there is no Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection for the building, a registered design professional has provided written certification that the building is of “non-combustible” construction within the meaning of the 1968 or 2008 Building Code, or “fireproof” construction within the meaning of the Building Code in effect prior to 1968. (F) Whether the building is equipped with a sprinkler system, and if so, whether such sprinkler system protects the entire building or only certain areas, and, if only certain areas, specifying those areas (for example, “the compactor chute on each floor and the compactor room and boiler room in the basement”).

(G) Whether the building is equipped with a fire alarm system, and if so: (1) the general location of the manual fire alarm boxes of such system (for example, “by the main entrance of building and next to the

stairwell at each end of the corridor on each floor”); and

(2) whether the manual fire alarm boxes, when activated, transmit an

alarm to an approved central station that notifies the Department.

(H) Whether the building is equipped with a one-way voice communication system pursuant to Building Code Section 907.2.12.2 (Exception 3), or other public address system (apart from any intercom system), and if so, the location of the speakers.

(I) All means of egress from the building, and the general location and any identification number of such means of egress, including:

(1) unenclosed interior stairwells;

(2) enclosed interior stairwells;

(3) exterior stairwells;

(4) fire tower stairwells;

(5) fire escapes;

(6) all exits from the building (for example, “main entrance on first floor exiting onto 1st Avenue; service entrance from basement level exiting by ramp onto 5th Street; emergency exit (with alarm) from stairwell exiting on north side of building with access to 5th Street; rear entrance at basement level to rear yard with no access to street; emergency exit (with alarm) at top of stairwell to roof with no access to ground or adjoining buildings.”);

(J) The date the fire safety guide was prepared; and

(K) Any other fire safety information or requirements (including lease

provisions, house rules or other private building regulations) that the

owner may wish to include, such as restrictions on storage or decoration.

Any private building regulations shall be clearly identified as such.

(4) Accuracy of information. The owner of each building shall be responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in the building information section of the fire safety guide and for the accurate reproduction of the fire emergency section of such fire safety guide.

(5) Distribution. The fire safety guide shall be distributed as follows:

(A) To each dwelling unit in the building, or an occupant thereof, and to each

building service employee:

(B) on an annual basis, by hand delivery or mailing a copy by first class mail, during Fire Prevention Week (observed during the month of October), or, if the fire safety guide is distributed together with the window guard notices required by New York City Administrative Code §17-123, at such time as the rules of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene require the annual distribution of such window guard notices to be made; and

(C) within 60 days of any material change in building conditions affecting the

content of the fire safety guide, other than temporary repairs or

maintenance work. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to relieve an owner of any residential building or part thereof of any duty to notify building occupants, the Department or other party that any fire protection system is not functional.

(D) To a new occupant, by providing a copy at the time the lease, sublease or other agreement allowing occupancy of the dwelling unit is presented to the occupant for signature, or, if there is no written agreement, not later than at the date the occupant assumes occupancy of the premises.

(E) To a new building service employee, by providing a copy to such employee not later than the date upon which the employee actually commences to perform duties at the premises.

(F) Each distribution of the fire safety guide shall be documented by a United States Postal Service certificate of mailing or other official proof of mailing, or, if hand delivered, by receipt signed by an occupant of the dwelling unit or the building service employee, or by sworn affidavit of the employee or agent of the owner who actually delivered the fire safety guide, identifying the date and manner of delivery and the dwelling units to which it was delivered or the names of the occupants who received it.

(6) Inspection. The owner shall make available for inspection upon request of any Department representative a copy of the last three (3) annual fire safety guides and proof of distribution.

(d) Fire Safety Notice Requirements

(1) Purpose. The fire safety notice shall serve to inform occupants of the building, including building service employees and visitors, as to the evacuation and other procedures to be followed in the event of fire in the building.

(2) Form. Each fire safety notice shall be:

(A) substantially similar in format to the sample fire safety notice annexed to this section as Appendix 2, and include all of the information contained in such sample fire safety notice; (B) printed on a single-sided sheet of paper framed under a clear Plexiglas cover or laminated with a firm backing and designed to be affixed by mounting hardware or an adhesive, or printed on a matte-finish vinyl adhesive-backed decal not less than three (3) mils in thickness, using thermal printing, screenprinting or other permanent, water-resistant printing technique;

(C) 5½ inches by 8½ inches in size (excluding any frame), except that fire safety notices to be posted in the common area of the residential building or part thereof may be up to 8½ by 11 inches in size;

(D) printed such that all text is clearly legible, using contrasting lettering and a type size not smaller than ten (10) point Times New Roman or equivalent; and

(E) printed in the English language. The owner may print the fire safety notice in such other additional languages (including symbols) as the owner concludes would benefit the building occupants. In such event, the fire safety notice may exceed 5½ inches by 8½ inches in size.

(3) Content. The fire safety notice shall reproduce the entire text of the sample fire

notice annexed hereto as Appendix 2 that is applicable to the building, as follows:

(A) Noncombustible construction. The text of this notice shall be used for dwelling unit doors and common areas when the building is of noncombustible construction within the meaning set forth in

R408-02(c)(3)(E).

(B) Combustible construction. The text of this notice shall be used for dwelling unit doors and common areas when the building is of combustible construction within the meaning set forth in

R408-02(c)(3)(E).

(4) Accuracy of information. The owner of each residential building or part thereof subject to the requirements of this section shall be responsible for the accurate reproduction of the fire safety notices.

(5) Posting.

(A) Location. A fire safety notice shall be posted in each of the following

locations:

(1) Dwelling unit door. On the inside surface of the front or main entrance door of each dwelling unit in the building.

(2) Common area. In a conspicuous location near any common mailbox area customarily used by building occupants, or if there is no common mailbox area, in a conspicuous location in or near the

elevators or main stairwell.

(B) Method of posting. Each fire safety notice shall be securely affixed, by mounting hardware or an adhesive, to the door or wall such that no part of the fire safety notice (excluding any frame) is lower than four (4) feet from the floor, nor higher than five and a half (5½) feet from the floor. (C) Posting of Building Information Section.

A copy of Part I of the fire safety guide (the building information section) shall be posted with the fire

safety notice in the common area. Such posting shall be in the same form as the fire safety notice.

(6) Maintenance and replacement. The owner shall maintain the fire safety notice in the common area and shall prepare and post any amended Part I (building information section) of the fire safety guide within sixty days of any material change in building conditions requiring such amended fire safety guide. The owner shall replace any missing or damaged notice on the dwelling unit door prior to any lawful change in occupancy of the dwelling unit. The owner shall replace any missing or damaged notice at any other time upon written request of the tenant. The tenant may be charged the reasonable cost of replacement.

APPENDIX 1

FIRE SAFETY GUIDE

PART I -- BUILDING INFORMATION SECTION

BUILDING

ADDRESS:

__________________________________________________________________________________

BUILDING OWNER/REPRESENTATIVE:

Name:

Address:

__________________________________________________________________

Telephone:

__________________________________________________________________

BUILDING INFORMATION:

Year of Construction: _____________

Type of Construction: ­ Combustible ­ Non-Combustible

Number of Floors: ______ Aboveground ______Belowground

Sprinkler System: ­ Yes ­ No

Sprinkler System Coverage: ­ Entire Building ­ Partial (complete all that apply):

­ Dwelling Units:

____________________________________________________________________________

­ Hallways:

____________________________________________________________________________

­ Stairwells:

____________________________________________________________________________

­ Compactor Chute:

____________________________________________________________________________

­ Other: ____________________________________________________________________________

Fire Alarm: ­ Yes ­ Transmits Alarm to Fire Dept/Fire Alarm Co ­ No

Location of Manual Pull Stations: ____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

_______

Public Address System: ­ Yes ­ No

Location of Speakers: ­ Stairwell ­ Hallway ­ Dwelling Unit ­ Other: ________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

_______

Means of Egress (e.g., Unenclosed/Enclosed Interior Stairs, Exterior Stairs, Fire Tower Stairs, Fire

Escapes,

Exits):

Type of Egress Identification Location Leads to

Other Information:

___________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

_______

DATE PREPARED: ______________________________

FIRE SAFETY GUIDE

PART II – FIRE EMERGENCY INFORMATION

BUILDING

ADDRESS:

__________________________________________________________________

THIS FIRE SAFETY GUIDE IS INTENDED TO HELP YOU AND THE

MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD PROTECT YOURSELVES IN THE

EVENT OF FIRE.

THIS FIRE SAFETY GUIDE CONTAINS:

• Basic fire prevention and fire preparedness measures that will reduce the risk of

fire and maximize your safety in the event of a fire.

• Basic information about your building, including the type of construction, the

different ways of exiting the building, and the types of fire safety systems it may

have.

• Emergency fire safety and evacuation instructions in the event of fire in your

building.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS FIRE SAFETY GUIDE AND TO

DISCUSS IT WITH THE MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD.

FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, AND AWARENESS CAN SAVE YOUR

LIFE!

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE,

CALL 911

OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHER, AT

Manhattan (212) 999-2222

Bronx (718) 999-3333

Brooklyn (718) 999-4444

Queens (718) 999-5555

Staten Island (718) 999-6666

OR TRANSMIT AN ALARM FROM

THE NEAREST FIRE ALARM BOX

BASIC FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE PREPAREDNESS MEASURES

These are fire safety tips that everybody should follow:

1. Every apartment should be equipped with at least one smoke detector. (All apartment

buildings constructed after July 2009 are required to be equipped with multiple

interconnected smoke alarms that sound throughout an apartment.) Check them

periodically to make sure they work. Most smoke detectors can be tested by pressing

the test button. Replace the batteries in the spring and fall when you move your clocks

forward or back an hour, and whenever a smoke detector chirps to signal that its

battery is low. The smoke detector should be replaced on a regular basis in accordance

with the manufacturer’s recommendation, but at least once every ten years.

2. Carelessly handled or discarded cigarettes are the leading cause of fire deaths. Never

smoke in bed or when you are drowsy, and be especially careful when smoking on a

sofa. Be sure that you completely extinguish every cigarette in an ashtray that is deep

and won’t tip over. Never leave a lit or smoldering cigarette on furniture.

3. Matches and lighters can be deadly in the hands of children. Store them out of reach of

children and teach them about the danger of fire.

4. Do not leave cooking unattended. Keep stove tops clean and free of items that can

catch on fire. Before you go to bed, check your kitchen to ensure that your oven is off

and any coffeepot or teapot is unplugged.

5. Never overload electrical outlets. Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed.

Never run extension cords under rugs. Use only power strips with circuit-breakers.

6. Keep all doorways and windows leading to fire escapes free of obstructions, and report

to the owner any obstructions or accumulations of rubbish in the hallways, stairwells,

fire escapes or other means of egress.

7. Install window gates only if it is absolutely necessary for security reasons. Install only

approved window gates. Do not install window gates with key locks. A delay in

finding or using the key could cost lives. Maintain the window gate’s opening device

so it operates smoothly. Familiarize yourself and the members of your household with

the operation of the window gate.

8. Familiarize yourself and members of your household with the location of all stairwells,

fire escapes and other means of egress.

9. With the members of your household, prepare an emergency escape route to use in the

event of a fire in the building. Choose a meeting place a safe distance from your

building where you should all meet in case you get separated during a fire.

10. Exercise care in the use and placement of fresh cut decorative greens, such as

Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. If possible, keep them planted or in water. Do

not place them in public hallways or where they might block egress from your

apartment if they catch on fire. Keep them away from any flame, including fireplaces.

Do not keep for extended period of time; as they dry, decorative greens become easily

combustible.

BUILDING INFORMATION

Building Construction

In a fire emergency, the decision to leave or to stay in your apartment will depend in part

on the type of building you are in.

Residential buildings built before 1968 are generally classified either as “fireproof” or

“nonfireproof.”

Residential buildings built in or after 1968 are generally classified either as

“combustible” or “non-combustible.” The type of building construction generally

depends on the size and height of the building.

A “non-combustible” or “fireproof” building is a building whose structural components

(the supporting elements of the building, such as steel or reinforced concrete beams and

floors) are constructed of materials that do not burn or are resistant to fire and therefore

will not contribute to the spread of the fire. In such buildings, fires are more likely to be

contained in the apartment or part thereof in which they start and less likely to spread

inside the building walls to other apartments and floors. THIS DOES NOT MEAN

THAT THE BUILDING IS IMMUNE TO FIRE.

While the structural components of the building may not catch fire, all of the contents of

the building (including furniture, carpeting, wood floors, decorations and personal

belongings) may catch on fire and generate flame, heat and large amounts of smoke,

which can travel throughout the building, especially if apartment or stairwell doors are

left open.

A “combustible” or “non-fireproof” building has structural components (such as wood)

that will burn if exposed to fire and can contribute to the spread of the fire. In such

buildings, the fire can spread inside the building walls to other apartments and floors, in

addition to the flame, heat and smoke that can be generated by the burning of the contents

of the building.

Be sure to check Part I (Building Information Section) of this fire safety guide to see

what type of building you are in.

Means of Egress

All residential buildings have at least one means of egress (way of exiting the building),

and most have at least two. There are several different types of egress:

Interior Stairs: All buildings have stairs leading to the street level. These stairs may be

enclosed or unenclosed. Unenclosed stairwells (stairs that are not separated from the

hallways by walls and doors) do not prevent the spread of flame, heat and smoke. Since

flame, heat and smoke generally rise, unenclosed stairwells may not ensure safe egress in

the event of a fire on a lower floor. Enclosed stairs are more likely to permit safe egress

from the building, if the doors are kept closed. It is important to get familiar with the

means of egress available in your building.

Exterior Stairs: Some buildings provide access to the apartments by means of stairs and

corridors that are outdoors. The fact that they are outdoors and do not trap heat and

smoke enhances their safety in the event of a fire, provided that they are not obstructed.

Fire Tower Stairs: These are generally enclosed stairwells in a “tower” separated from

the building by air shafts open to the outside. The open air shafts allow heat and smoke to

escape from the building.

Fire Escapes: Many older buildings are equipped with a fire escape on the outside of the

building, which is accessed through a window or balcony. Fire escapes are considered a

“secondary” or alternative means of egress, and are to be used if the primary means of

egress (stairwells) cannot be safely used to exit the building because they are obstructed

by flame, heat or smoke.

Exits: Most buildings have more than one exit. In addition to the main entrance to the

building, there may be separate side exits, rear exits, basement exits, roof exits and exits

to the street from stairwells. Some of these exits may have alarms. Not all of these exits

may lead to the street.

Roof exits may or may not allow access to adjoining buildings.

Be sure to review Part I (Building Information Section) of this fire safety guide and

familiarize yourself with the different means of egress from your building.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

A fire sprinkler system is a system of pipes and sprinkler heads that when triggered by

the heat of a fire automatically discharges water that extinguishes the fire.

The sprinkler system will continue to discharge water until it is turned off. When a

sprinkler system activates, an alarm is sounded.

Sprinkler systems are very effective at preventing fire from spreading beyond the room in

which it starts. However, the fire may still generate smoke, which can travel throughout

the building. Apartment buildings constructed before March 1999 were generally not

required to have fire sprinkler systems. Some apartment buildings are equipped with

sprinkler systems, but only in compactor chutes and rooms or boiler rooms. All apartment

buildings constructed after March 1999 are required by law to be equipped with fire

sprinkler systems throughout the building.

Be sure to review Part I (Building Information Section) of this fire safety guide to

learn whether your building is equipped with fire sprinkler systems.

Interior Fire Alarm Systems

Although generally not required, some residential buildings are equipped with interior

fire alarm systems that are designed to warn building occupants of a fire in the building.

Interior fire alarm systems generally consist of a panel located in a lobby or basement,

with manual pull stations located near the main entrance and by each stairwell door.

Interior fire alarm systems are usually manually-activated (must be pulled by hand) and

do not automatically transmit a signal to the Fire Department, so a telephone call must

still be made to 911 or the Fire Department dispatcher. Do not assume that the Fire

Department has been notified because you hear a fire alarm or smoke detector sounding

in the building.

Be sure to review Part I (Building Information Section) of this fire safety guide to

learn whether your building is equipped with an interior fire alarm system and

whether the alarm is transmitted to the Fire Department, and familiarize yourself

with the location of the manual pull stations and how to activate them in the event of

a fire.

Public Address Systems:

Although generally not required, some residential buildings are equipped with public

address systems that enable voice communications from a central location, usually in the

building lobby. Public address system are different from building intercoms, and usually

consist of loudspeakers in building hallways and/or stairwells. Starting in July 2009,

residential buildings that are more than 125 feet in height are required by law to be

equipped with a one way voice communication system that will enable Fire Department

personnel to make announcements from the lobby to building occupants in their

apartments or in building stairwells.

Be sure to review Part I (Building Information Section) of this fire safety guide to

learn whether your building is equipped with a public address system.

EMERGENCY FIRE SAFETY AND EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF FIRE

DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL. HOWEVER, THERE MAY BE EMERGENCY

SITUATIONS IN WHICH YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO DECIDE ON A

COURSE OF ACTION TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND THE OTHER

MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD. THIS FIRE SAFETY GUIDE IS

INTENDED TO ASSIST YOU IN SELECTING THE SAFEST COURSE OF

ACTION IN SUCH AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO FIRE

SAFETY GUIDE CAN ACCOUNT FOR ALL OF THE POSSIBLE FACTORS

AND CHANGING CONDITIONS; YOU WILL HAVE TO DECIDE FOR

YOURSELF WHAT IS THE SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION UNDER THE

CIRCUMSTANCES.

General Emergency Fire Safety Instructions:

1. Stay calm. Do not panic. Notify the Fire Department as soon as possible. Firefighters

will be on the scene of a fire within minutes of receiving an alarm.

2. Because flame, heat and smoke rise, generally a fire on a floor below your apartment

presents a greater threat to your safety than a fire on a floor above your apartment.

3. Do not overestimate your ability to put out a fire. Most fires cannot be easily or safely

extinguished. Do not attempt to put the fire out once it begins to quickly spread. If you

attempt to put a fire out, make sure you have a clear path of retreat from the room.

4. If you decide to exit the building during a fire, close all doors as you exit to confine the

fire. Never use the elevator. It could stop between floors or take you to where the fire

is.

5. Heat, smoke and gases emitted by burning materials can quickly choke you. If you are

caught in a heavy smoke condition, get down on the floor and crawl. Take short

breaths, breathing through your nose.

6. If your clothes catch fire, don’t run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your

face with your hands to protect your face and lungs and roll over to smother the lames.

Evacuation Instructions If The Fire Is In Your Apartment

(All Types of Building Construction)

1. Close the door to the room where the fire is, and leave the apartment.

2. Make sure EVERYONE leaves the apartment with you.

3. Take your keys.

4. Close, but do not lock, the apartment door.

5. Alert people on your floor by knocking on their doors on your way to the exit.

6. Use the nearest stairwell to exit the building.

7. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.

8. Call 911 once you reach a safe location. Do not assume the fire has been reported

unless firefighters are on the scene.

9. Meet the members of your household at a predetermined location outside the building.

Notify responding firefighters if anyone is unaccounted for.

Evacuation Instructions If The Fire Is Not In Your Apartment

“NON-COMBUSTIBLE” OR “FIREPROOF” BUILDINGS:

1.Stay inside your apartment and listen for instructions from firefighters unless

Conditions become dangerous.

2. If you must exit your apartment, first feel the apartment door and doorknob for heat. If

they are not hot, open the door slightly and check the hallway for smoke, heat or fire.

3. If you can safely exit your apartment, follow the instructions above for a fire in your

apartment.

4. If you cannot safely exit your apartment or building, call 911 and tell them your

address, floor, apartment number and the number of people in your apartment.

5. Seal the doors to your apartment with wet towels or sheets, and seal air ducts or other

openings where smoke may enter.

6. Open windows a few inches at top and bottom unless flames and smoke are coming

from below. Do not break any windows.

7. If conditions in the apartment appear life-threatening, open a window and wave a towel

or sheet to attract the attention of firefighters.

8. If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take short

breaths through your nose. If possible, retreat to a balcony or terrace away from the

source of the smoke, heat or fire.

“COMBUSTIBLE” OR “NON-FIREPROOF” BUILDING

1.Feel your apartment door and doorknob for heat. If they are not hot, open the door

slightly and check the hallway for smoke, heat or fire.

2. Exit your apartment and building if you can safely do so, following the instructions

above for a fire in your apartment.

3. If the hallway or stairwell is not safe because of smoke, heat or fire and you have

access to a fire escape, use it to exit the building. Proceed cautiously on the fire escape

and always carry or hold onto small children.

4. If you cannot use the stairs or fire escape, call 911 and tell them your address, floor,

apartment number and the number of people in your apartment.

 

A. Seal the doors to your apartment with wet towels or sheets, and seal air ducts or

other openings where smoke may enter.

B. Open windows a few inches at top and bottom unless flames and smoke are

coming from below. Do not break any windows.

C. If conditions in the apartment appear life-threatening, open a window and wave a

towel or sheet to attract the attention of firefighters.

D. If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take

short breaths through your nose. If possible, retreat to a balcony or terrace away

from the source of the smoke, heat or fire.

APPENDIX 2

FIRE SAFETY NOTICES

Non-combustible Building

The following fire safety notice shall be posted in buildings of non-combustible

construction within the meaning of R408-02(c)(3)(E):

FIRE SAFETY NOTICE

IN THE EVENT OF FIRE, STAY CALM. NOTIFY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL. IF

YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION, USE YOUR JUDGMENT AS TO

THE SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION, GUIDED BY THE FOLLOWING

INFORMATION:

YOU ARE IN A NON-COMBUSTIBLE (FIREPROOF) BUILDING

If The Fire Is In Your Apartment:

• Close the door to the room where the fire is and leave the apartment.

• Make sure EVERYONE leaves the apartment with you.

• Take your keys.

• Close, but do not lock, the apartment door.

• Alert people on your floor by knocking on their doors on your way to the exit.

• Use the nearest stairwell to leave the building.

• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.

• Call 911 once you reach a safe location. Do not assume the fire has been reported unless

firefighters are on the scene.

• Meet the members of your household at a pre-determined location outside the building.

Notify the firefighters if anyone is unaccounted for.

If The Fire Is Not In Your Apartment:

• Stay inside your apartment and listen for instructions from firefighters unless conditions

become dangerous.

• If you must exit your apartment, first feel the apartment door and doorknob for heat. If

they are not hot, open the door slightly and check the hallway for smoke, heat or fire.

• If you can safely exit your apartment, follow the instructions above for a fire in your

apartment.

• If you cannot safely exit your apartment or building, call 911 and tell them your

address, floor, apartment number and the number of people in your apartment.

• Seal the doors to your apartment with wet towels or sheets, and seal air ducts or other

openings where smoke may enter.

• Open windows a few inches at top and bottom unless flames and smoke are coming

from below.

• Do not break any windows.

• If conditions in the apartment appear life-threatening, open a window and wave a towel

or sheet to attract the attention of firefighters.

• If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, get down on the floor and take short

breaths through your nose. If possible, retreat to a balcony or terrace away from the

source of the smoke, heat or fire.

APPENDIX 2

FIRE SAFETY NOTICES

Combustible Building

The following fire safety notice shall be posted in buildings of combustible

construction within the meaning of R408-02(c)(3)(E):

FIRE SAFETY NOTICE

IN THE EVENT OF FIRE, STAY CALM. NOTIFY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL. IF

YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION, USE YOUR JUDGMENT AS TO

THE SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION, GUIDED BY THE FOLLOWING

INFORMATION:

YOU ARE IN A COMBUSTIBLE (NON-FIREPROOF) BUILDING

If The Fire Is In Your Apartment

• Close the door to the room where the fire is and leave the apartment.

• Make sure EVERYONE leaves the apartment with you.

• Take your keys.

• Close, but do not lock, the apartment door.

• Alert people on your floor by knocking on their doors on your way to the exit.

• Use the nearest stairwell to leave the building.

• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.

• Call 911 once you reach a safe location. Do not assume the fire has been reported unless

firefighters are on the scene.

• Meet the members of your household at a pre-determined location outside the building.

Notify the firefighters if anyone is unaccounted for.

If The Fire Is Not In Your Apartment

• Feel your apartment door and doorknob for heat. If they are not hot, open the door

slightly and check the hallway for smoke, heat or fire.

• Exit the apartment and building if you can safely do so, following the instructions above

for a fire in your apartment.

• If the hallway or stairwell is not safe because of smoke, heat, or fire and you have

access to a fire escape, use it to exit the building. Proceed cautiously on the fire escape

and always carry or hold onto small children.

• If you cannot use the stairs or the fire escape, call 911 and tell them your address, floor,

apartment number and the number of people in your apartment.

 

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