Fire prevention: Are you a proactive landlord?

“At least 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences, of these, 85 percent occur in single-family homes and duplexes,” according to the Athens Fire Department.

That means many rentals in the Athens area fall directly into that category. Why not be proactive about fire prevention in your rental properties? Explain fire prevention at check in, require tenants to check the fire extinguisher and smoke detector or provide informational pamphlets. Use education as the first step to prevent fires in your rentals.

If you’re renting a house or apartment in Athens you already know that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are required. But what good are they if no one monitors them or knows how to use them?

“When you first move into a new place you need to become acquainted not only with where the extinguishers are, but how to use them,” said Robert Troxel. “You don’t want to wait until a fire happens to try to figure it out.”

Robert Troxel is the Athens Fire Chief and sees many of the fires that happen in uptown Athens.

A helpful acronym to remember how to use an extinguisher in an emergency is PASS. You want to: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. Pull the pin out of the extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire (not at the top of the flame), then squeeze the lever or handle as you sweep the extinguisher from side to side until the fire is entirely out. 

In addition to knowing how to use an extinguisher, the tenant should get involved with monitoring the smoke detector. It needs to be checked at least once a month. This can be done by pressing the “test” button on the unit. Depending on the model, it will probably beep to indicate that it has active batteries and is functioning properly. 

“When it comes to checking the extinguisher and smoke detector it’s a double edged sword for the tenant. It’s the responsibility of the landlord but it’s really the tenants place to monitor it as well. It’s for their protection,” said Troxel.

Detectors have a big hand in helping the fire department protect both tenants and landlords. By the end of the year, carbon monoxide detectors need to be installed in all rental properties in addition to the smoke detectors. 

“The bad thing about carbon monoxide is the symptoms are so similar to influenza, like puking, headache, fever,” said Troxel. “That’s why especially this time of year they’re important to have in any home.” 

But these early detection methods don’t guarantee there won’t be a fire. Carelessness is a major component in fires.

Common causes of fires include electrical fires, unattended candles, unattended oil and food when cooking, space heaters and misplaced cigarettes.

“The problem we see in rentals is students have so many electronics anymore but the outlets aren’t built to handle it. That’s when we see problems,” said Troxel.
Power strips with a UL approval are the safest choice for electronics. Remember cords should never be run under rugs, or in doorways and should not be used if damaged.
This time of year especially the fire department sees a lot of fires from space heaters. Renters may try to lower their heating bill by turning off their heat and instead using a space heater. 

“Renters ought to have adequate enough heating to not require the need for a portable heater,” says Troxel. 

Parties are a hotbed for fire hazards. Lit cigarettes, candles and bonfires are all dangerous components when unsupervised.

“After having a party, check to see if discarded cigarettes are in places like the cracks of the couch,” said Troxel. 

Although open fires are illegal in the city limits, it doesn’t mean they don’t happen. But remind your tenants that they could face serious fines if they decide to disregard not only the safety hazards but also the legal ramifications.

The truth is fire can happen anywhere. The important thing to know is when to call for help.

“If anybody has any concerns call 911 immediately,” said Troxel. “That’s why we’re here, we’d rather check it out at 9 p.m. than at midnight to make a rescue.”