Your Soledad Firefighters have been working diligently throughout the year to complete fire safety business inspections throughout the city.  These business inspections are conducted on an annual basis.  During your inspection, the firefighters will look for potential fire risks, safety hazards, and other code violations that could cause the loss of life and property. They will also look for factors that could make fire spread more quickly within your building and/or to other nearby buildings. These are some of the items we look for, as well as the most common violations.

• Is your company name and address clearly and visibly marked on the building’s exterior? (This helps first responders reach you quickly.)
• If there is a fire lane on your property, is it adequately marked and kept clear of all obstructions?
• If there is a fire hydrant on your property, is it free of vegetation overgrowth, snow, and other obstructions?
• Are there adequate ways to get out of the building, and are they accessible? In other words, occupants must be able to get out of the building quickly and easily in the event of a fire—without having to move stacks of boxes or struggle with a jammed door.
• Are all exits clearly marked with illuminated signs? Do the signs have any bulbs burnt out? Do the signs have a battery backup in case of a power failure?
• Is emergency lighting in place, and are any bulbs burnt out?
• Does heating equipment meet code requirements? There should be no open flames for heat in your facility, and space heaters are prohibited in some situations as well.
• Does electrical wiring meet code requirements? Cords should not be frayed, and electrical outlets should not be overloaded.
• Are fire extinguishers available? Are they the correct type needed for your facility? Are they placed correctly? Do they require service?
• Are your alarm and sprinkler systems functional? Has your sprinkler system been tested by a licensed service provider in the past year?

If any violations are found, the inspector will tell you how the issue can be corrected, and a reinspection will be scheduled after 30 days.

However, there’s no need to wait for the fire department to mandate updates to your property—there are steps you can take today to keep your staff, customers, and inventory safer. Learn about the fire code for commercial businesses in your area, and perform regular self-checks to keep your property compliant.