Ocala Fire Rescue is reminding businesses of the importance of complying with the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code – especially when it comes to means of egress during the reopening period.
Exits provide safe paths of escape in times of emergency. Doors, stairs and passageways typically allow people to evacuate a hazardous area in a short amount of time. However, to retain crowd control, these areas are often obstructed, causing fire hazards and a strain on businesses’ life safety plans.
Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Clayton Anderson said firefighters have noticed that while businesses have been vigilant about complying with the allowed maximum capacities in their buildings, some have relied on “physical access restrictions like blocking entry and exit points to do so.”
For assistance identifying appropriate means of egress, or for help calculating a facility’s occupant load, businesses within the city limits can contact Ocala Fire Rescue’s Prevention Division. Inquiries can be directed to Capt. Anthony Ortiz by phone (352) 572-0380 or email at fireprevention@ocalafl.org.