Attention Bloggers,

Great stuff from Paul, The Fire Guy, in his January Newsletter. As an investor with investment properties, we have forgotten that the bylaws regarding retro fitting was passed back in July of 1996. 2 or more units must comply with all by-laws.

Question – Has anyone dealt with the local fire departments and fire marshals here in the Niagara Region and if so, did you have any issues?

The Independent Fire Code Specialist – Protecting Your Interests

Well here it is the beginning of a new year – Happy New Year to one and all.

Recently I have been receiving requests asking just what does The Fire Guy do?
First of all when the Fire Guy inspects your clients income property
- he does NOT report any deficiencies to the local Fire Department
- he does NOT tell the owner the work must be done in 30 days
- he does NOT prosecute non-compliant issues
- he does NOT issue a Notice of Violation

What he does do;
- he will perform a complete inspection of the property containing apartments, encouraging the client to follow along
- he explains in detail any non-compliant Fire Code issues as they are encountered
- he offers the best methods of correcting these issues
- he puts all findings in a written report

The Fire Guy is Paul Schuster, an ex Fire Prevention officer who left the fire department after after providing fire safety solutions for 30 years.

To-day most Fire Departments are taking non-compliant cases straight to prosecution.
Compliance is now expected and failure to comply can result in fines and prison terms.
Last year the Office of The Fire Marshal starting promoting a Zero Tolerance Policy.

They are now putting on courses for fire department personal entitled “Walk Your Talk To Zero Tolerance” a one-day workshop enhancing a stronger enforcement approach towards compliance with the Fire Code.
These courses are to explain the legislation, how to commence Court Proceedings and processes necessary for successful prosecutions.

This is why you and your clients need the services of an Independent Fire Code Inspector who is fully conversant with Fire Code issues. He will offer advice on the best method of attaining compliance before the authorities become involved, thereby eliminating the risk of prosecution with fines of up to $50,000. and up to 1 year in prison.

To-day the services of a Home Inspector are considered a necessary part of any real estate transaction.
So too must the services of an Independent Fire Code Inspector be considered necessary for any transactions involving multi-unit income properties.
Retrofit addresses any building with 2 or more apartments, from the house with a basement apartment right up to the apartment building.

So for all your Retrofit needs remember The Fire Guy
“Who is here protecting you from Fire and The Fire Departments”

My full-time investment specialist, Karl Regier, and myself help many clients purchase properties while their child(ren) attend Colleges or Universities (in our area, Niagara College and Brock University). Their children have an affordable place to stay and, at the same time, the parents are able to make some additional money.

When young people attend a college or university, they will often be living away from home for the first time. This can be a concern for parents as they try to ensure their children will be safe when they’re not living under the same roof.

The following is important fire safety information that every student should know before moving away from home. Parents should discuss these basic fire safety rules with their kids before dropping them off at their new home.

Also, if you have any stories, questions or experiences that you would like to share and have posted in our blog, please let us know by emailing us at mail@timothysalisbury.com and share with other parents.

Timothy Salisbury & Karl Reiger

Cooking
Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in Ontario. If the student accommodation has cooking facilities, there are some basic fire safety rules they must follow to prevent cooking fires:

• A stovetop fire can start in a flash, so stay in the kitchen when something is cooking on the stove.
• Keep all combustible items a safe distance away from the stove. This includes tea towels, wooden or plastic spoons, and paper towels.
• Keep a pot lid near the stove to smother flames if a fire starts in a pot.

Candles
The use of candles is becoming more and more popular, especially among young people. To prevent candle fires:

• Use tea lights or votive candles in non-combustible containers.
• Place the candles in a location where they can’t be knocked over or come in contact with combustible items.
• Blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

Smoking
Fires caused by smoking can be deadly. Even if they don’t smoke themselves, chances are the student will have friends that do. To prevent smoking fires:

• Encourage smokers to go outside.
• Keep large, deep ashtrays on hand that will reduce the risk of ashes and cigarette butts falling onto rugs or upholstery.
• Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing.

Electrical Equipment
Overloaded circuits and octopus wiring are dangerous electrical hazards that can be avoided. To prevent fires caused by electrical equipment:

• Use an approved power bar with a circuit breaker and surge protector to plug in computer and stereo equipment.
• Avoid the use of extension cords as permanent wiring.
• Make sure electrical cords are not concealed under carpets or rugs where they can be easily damaged.

Space Heaters
The central heating systems in older accommodations are often supplemented with space heaters. To prevent heating fires:

• keep the space heater at least one metre away from anything that can burn, such as paper, bedding, furniture, and curtains.
• Turn off the space heater before going out or going to bed.

Social Gatherings
Parties are as much a part of student life as attending classes. While most student parties are harmless fun, the consumption of alcohol combined with cooking or smoking can create a serious fire risk. To minimize the risk of fires during or after parties:

• Avoid overcrowding. The more people attending the party, the easier it is to lose control of the situation.
• Encourage guests to smoke outside. Consider putting up no smoking signs that direct guests to an outside smoking area.
• Refrain from burning candles during parties. They can easily be knocked over or ignite nearby combustibles, unnoticed.

Smoke Alarms
If a fire does occur, it is critical that the dwelling have working smoke alarms to alert occupants as soon as possible.

• The responsibility for smoke alarm installation and maintenance lies with the homeowner or landlord, however, it is a good idea for parents to provide their child with a smoke alarm for his or her bedroom.
• It is against the law for tenants to disable or tamper with a smoke alarm.
• If a smoke alarm activates due to steam from the shower or cooking on the stove, oven or toaster, ask the landlord to remove the alarm and put it in a different location, or install a smoke alarm with a pause feature.

Fire Escape Planning
When the smoke alarm sounds, everyone must know what to do and where to go. Encourage students to develop a fire escape plan, keeping the following in mind:

• Know two ways out of every room, if possible. The first way out would be the door, while an alternate escape may be a window that can be exited safely. Make sure all designated escape routes are accessible and free of clutter.
• Leave the building as quickly as possible. Once outside, don’t re-enter the building for any reason.
• Call 9-1-1 from outside the building using a cell phone or neighbours phone.

My full-time investment specialist, Karl Regier, and myself help many clients purchase properties while their child(ren) attend Colleges or Universities (in our area, Niagara College and Brock University). Their children have an affordable place to stay and, at the same time, the parents are able to make some additional money.

The following information will help you determine if the potential accommodation will make the grade when it comes to fire safety or not.

Also, if you have any stories, questions or experiences that you would like to share and have posted in our blog, please let us know by emailing us at mail@timothysalisbury.com and share with other parents.

Timothy Salisbury & Karl Reiger

Smoke Alarms
It is the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. The law applies to single family, semi-detached, townhomes and apartments (including basement apartments), whether owner-occupied or rented. Rooming houses have specific regulations about smoke alarms or fire alarm systems. In addition to smoke alarms within each unit or suite, apartment building and student residences operated by the school may also have a building fire alarm system. Make sure the landlord, administrator or superintendent identifies and explains the fire alarm and detection features in the building and unit.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Ontario Building Code requires carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in new buildings that maintain a fuel-fired appliance. However, many existing buildings were constructed prior to this requirement and may not be equipped with CO alarms. If the building has a fuel-fired (natural gas, oil, propane or wood) appliance, a CO alarm should be installed. Check with the fire department or municipal office to determine if there are by-laws requiring CO alarms.

Fire Separations
Students often find accommodation in older homes that have been converted to apartments or rooming houses. At the time of the conversion, a building permit should have been obtained to ensure that fire safety features such as proper exits and fire separations between units are provided. Ask the owner if the property complies with the Building Code and Fire Code and to explain the fire safety features.

Exits
It is important to consider how people will escape from a room or apartment in an emergency. Every room or apartment requires adequate exits that will permit unobstructed escape from the building. Make sure to ask the landlord or superintendent to identify all of the designated exits. All windows and doors should open fully and easily. Stairways and hallways must not be used for storage as this can pose serious fire safety hazards. Furniture and other obstacles can physically block exits and may fill hallways or stairways with smoke if they catch fire. This practice must be strictly avoided.

Fire Escape Plans
In a fire emergency, everyone must know what to do and where to go. Large apartment buildings and student residence buildings require a fire safety plan, which informs the occupants about emergency procedures. Ask the building administrator or superintendent to explain the procedures in the fire safety plan.

Small apartment buildings and houses that have been converted to apartments or lodging rooms may not have a fire safety plan, however, it’s a good idea to ensure there are two ways out of the unit. The alternate way out can be a window that can be safely exited in an emergency.

Security
Some property owners install bars on windows as a security measure. While this may seem appealing from a security point of view, it can prevent students from escaping in an emergency situation. Security bars on windows should be equipped with a quick-opening device on the inside so the bars can be removed quickly.

Electrical Safety
Many buildings offering lodging to students are older homes that may not have upgraded wiring. Outlets in bathrooms or within one metre of the kitchen sink, should be the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) type. Consider the number and location of electrical outlets in the room or apartment. There should be enough outlets so that appliances such as lamps, computer equipment and stereos can be operated without the use of extension cords. If extension cords can’t be avoided, use multi-outlet power bars that are approved and provide surge protection and a circuit breaker. Make sure that electrical cords of any kind are not concealed under carpets or rugs where they can be easily damaged. Avoid overloaded circuits and octopus wiring.

For more information:
Contact the administration offices of the college or university. They will frequently maintain a registry of available accommodation for students. Call the local fire department to determine if the building has been inspected for Fire Code compliance.

Electrical safety tips and information about common electrical hazards can be found at the Electrical Safety Authority Website.

Fire safety tips and information can be found at the Office of the Fire Marshal’s Website.

Hey Bloggers – Fire guy Newsletter cautioning us regarding the safety and care of your Christmas Trees.

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO ~ It’s unbelievable and how quickly things can go wrong in less than 5 seconds!!

T.

A Christmas tree is one of the special joys of Christmas. Some artificial trees manufactured to-day are fireproof, but a real tree that you cut down on your own or purchase from a woodlot is a fire hazard, particularly after it has dried out for a week or so in the house.

Tests have shown that a balsam, spruce or pine Christmas tree of average living room size can become a raging torch and be reduced to ashes in less than 20 seconds.

See video on the dangers of a dry tree: Christmas Tree Fire

If using a natural tree, here are some precautions that can be taken to help ensure that your holiday memories remain special.

Use a fresh green tree, not one that has dried out through weeks of storage. A tree can be tested for freshness by rubbing the branches with your hand or by tapping the base of the tree on the ground. If the needles fall off or can be easily pulled off, then the tree is too dry.

Keep the tree outside, preferably under shade until you are ready to use it. Stand the stump in snow or water to maintain the moisture content.

Before bringing the tree inside the house, re-cut the butt diagonally so that it can absorb water, and mount it securely in a large reservoir stand, tub or bucket so that it won’t tip over.

Always keep the exposed cut of the tree trunk immersed in water to prevent the tree from drying out. Check the water level daily and add more as required.

Don’t put a tree, whether natural or artificial, near curtains, candles, a fireplace, heating vent, radiator, television set or other sources of heat. Never block exits with your tree.

If decorating your tree with lights, use only electrical products and extension cords that bear the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark. This is your assurance that such products have been tested for safety against fire and shock. Only use lights that have been designed for indoor use.

Bloggers, I receive an e-mail from The Fire Guy about once every 2 months or so – some great tips over the years. This issue talks about Carbon Monoxide Detectors. They’re not mandatory, just smart! Please take a read.

The Independent Fire Code Specialist – Protecting Your Interests

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Carbon monoxide alarms are not mandatory in all areas – it’s just smart!

Only carbon monoxide alarms bearing the new Canadian Standards Association ULC/CGA-6.19 standard are recommended by the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Committee. The unit may also have a battery back-up.

At least one CO alarm should be installed adjacent to the sleeping area of your home. You may need more than one CO alarm if sleeping areas are located on different levels. And remember to test the unit every month.

Please refer to the manufacturers instructions for details about installation, proper use and maintenance.

The use of CO alarms that meet these standards can warn you about sudden failures of fuel-burning appliances and are a good second line of defense against CO exposure in you home, cottage and recreational vehicle.

The best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to ensure all appliances are well serviced and maintained. Have your furnace and chimney serviced regularly. Don’t leave automobiles running in the garage, use barbecues outside only, and operate all gas powered equipment outdoors, in well ventilated areas. CO alarms are not a substitute for maintenance by a qualified technician, and safe use of this equipment can help prevent a carbon monoxide hazard.

Some of the municipalities that have passed By-laws calling for the installation of CO Detectors are:

City of Toronto, City of Brampton, City of Vaughan, Town of Georgina, Town of Richmond Hill, Town of Newmarket, Town of Markham, Town of Orangeville, Town of Pickering, City of Oshawa and the City of Mississauga

Please check with your local By-law Department.

And Don’t forget…

Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 is coming this weekend.

This is the date we change our clocks back to Standard Time. Spring forward – Fall back. Check out this link: Time Zones & Daylight Savings.

This is also the best time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old, it is recommended that it be replaced. They have a life span of about 10 years.

Carbon monoxide detectors are a different matter. They have a life span of about 5 years before they should be replaced.

This is also a good time to get into the habit of testing your smoke alarm on a regular basis.

A candle will smolder after it is blown out. This smoke should activate the smoke alarm if placed directly below it.

REMEMBER: Only WORKING smoke alarms save lives!

Test YOUR smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors today.

T.

Timothy Salisbury
Broker
Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage
www.timothysalisbury.com
email@timothysalisbury.com
office ( 905) 937-6000
Toll Free 1-800-467-8498

P.S.: Remember, a referral is sending someone you care about to someone you respect. Please don’t keep me a secret! Who is the next person you know looking to buy or sell real estate?