Being prepared for emergencies is essential for both landlords and tenants. In this blog post, we’ll cover key aspects of emergency preparedness, ensuring a safe and organized response in unforeseen situations.
Creating Emergency Plans:
Tenants are encouraged to create emergency plans. This includes handling an emergency from a proactive approach, such as knowing the location, and how to use fire extinguishers and fire blankets, to shutting off the main water supply and gas supply.
It’s incredible how delayed responses are when these discussions and practicing don’t take place in advance. In emergencies, a matter of seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
Smoke and CO Detectors
Tenants should not be complacent with simply expecting that the smoke and CO detectors work, let alone if they exist or if there are enough of them. While Landlords are responsible for testing these devices annually, do not put their life in your hands.
Most properties were built before mandatory CO detectors became a part of the building code, so it’s recommended that you upgrade them or add secondary, plug-in CO detectors on each level, especially near all areas where you may find yourself falling asleep, whether that’s in your bedroom or on the couch while watching a movie.
How Long do Smoke Detectors Last?
Most people aren’t aware of the many components in a home with expiry dates. The common expiration date for smoke and CO detectors is ten years, although some are shorter. Most of these devices will have an expiration or built-in date on the side, typically visible without needing to remove it; however, removing it will reveal additional information on the backside. If your devices have or are nearing expiration, speak with your landlord about replacing them.
Avoid Illegal Rental Properties
It’s all too often that we read horrible stories of families dying in house fires while trapped in an illegal basement apartment.
Building and fire codes have various components to address safe egress and the utilization of fire-retardent materials to slow the spread of fire. These measures are in place to increase the safety of occupants and save lives.
Occupying an illegal basement usually means you have one easily accessible point of egress, followed by small windows that only a baby could leave from. Before firming up on an agreement to rent a basement apartment, ensure you do your due diligence to confirm that the basement is legal and meets current code.
Tenants should be well-informed about emergency procedures. Discover tips for training tenants on what to do in various emergencies, promoting a proactive approach to safety.
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility between landlords and tenants. Stay tuned for more insights on creating a secure living environment for all.
