The Crookston Fire Department (CFD) wants to remind all building owners, property managers, and all homeowners to keep exit doors and fire escapes clear of ice and snow accumulations this winter.
With the winter weather sticking around, the CFD is reminding everyone to be aware of the conditions and the problems snow and ice can cause, this requires greater vigilance to ensure that these critical secondary paths are available for escape or rescue in an emergency.
Schools, apartments, restaurants, nightclubs, and other buildings often have secondary exits that may become blocked by ice or snow during the winter months. Building owners are responsible to maintain required exits and clearing ice and snow or other obstructions as quickly as possible.
Safe, useable exits are fundamental to maintaining a reasonable level of fire safety in all buildings. During this time of year, Code Enforcement officers frequently find emergency exit doors frozen shut.
Building owners are requested to provide a high level of scrutiny of their exits during this winter period, and throughout the year. Fire department personnel have noticed some of these exits being neglected and just want to send a friendly reminder of the importance of keeping these exits clear.
Removal of snow and ice from pathways, sidewalks, and driveways also allows paramedics to move the ambulance cot quickly to and from emergency medical calls. As winter continues, please help to keep the community safe.
