According to Telgian Fire Safety fire protection expert Steve Goyette, fire and life safety for small apartment buildings includes a wide variety of measures. There are several general categories to consider, from the regular inspection, testing and maintenance of fire extinguishers, exit signs / emergency lighting, and exit stairs / doors, to important “housekeeping” tasks. And many of these duties are more than capably handled by on-site building management personnel. Goyette recently shared his industry expertise on the subject in the article, “Be Prepared: Maintenance of Fire and Life Safety Systems Starts with the Property Management Team” for Apartment Age magazine.
With nearly 35 years of experience in fire protection design and consulting, including fire sprinkler contracting, Goyette is uniquely qualified to speak about the subject. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS), as well as Level III NICET certified in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout, Goyette is also a member of the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 915 Technical Committee on Remote Inspections, the NFPA 232 Technical Committee on the Standard for Protection of Records, and a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) San Diego Chapter.
“Regular upkeep and maintenance of the property is crucial to allowing for an effective prevention of fire as well as response when an emergency does occur,” says Goyette. For example, it’s essential to, “ensure plants/landscaping are well trimmed and not impacting egress pathways, dead and down foliage is regularly removed from the property, common hallways and walkways are clean and free of debris/storage to maximize exit space for residents, and that stair rails and steps are in good condition with proper lighting. In the article, Goyette also explores specific actions that can improve preparedness in the event of an emergency.
Click here to read the article “Be Prepared: Maintenance of Fire and Life Safety Systems Starts with the Property Management Team” in its entirety.
For additional reading: more about multifamily housing life safety and fire safety for small apartment buildings:
- Multifamily Residence Fire Safety: Don’t Skip Individual Unit Inspections, Multifamily Executive
- How to Reduce Losses Associated with Wildfires, National Apartment Association Units magazine
- Wildfire Mitigation Strategies, AccuWeather
About Telgian Fire Safety
Since 1985, Telgian Fire Safety has served as a trusted partner to clients around the globe, providing innovative solutions and keeping multifamily housing buildings safe, compliant and on budget. Telgian’s expertise includes testing, inspections and repair of Fire Life Safety Systems including Fire Sprinkler and Alarm Systems, Extinguishers, Commercial Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems, Emergency and Exit Lights, Special Hazards, and Clean Agent Systems, as well as Fire Alarm and Elevator Monitoring.
Telgian Fire Safety specializes in service to multi-location properties, as well as large single-campus facilities at approximately 50,000 locations annually. The company offers a centralized approach and standardized way for clients to manage their FLS program including inventory tracking, capital replacement programs, budgeting and forecasting.
For Media and Interview Inquiries with Steve Goyette, please contact Susan McNeill at smcneill@telgian.com.