The Crookston Fire Department wants to remind all building owners and property managers to keep exit doors and fire escapes clear of ice and snow accumulations this winter.
“Building owners, property managers, residents to keep their exit doors clear of the ice and snow,” said firefighter Shane Heldstab. “It’s inevitable that buildups can happen especially in doorways we don’t use that often. Snow and ice can really hinder your secondary path for escape in case of 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 to clear 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.
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. “Emergency services also need to able to get in and out effectively and safely,” said Heldstab. “The less snow and ice we have to deal with in these exits is a great help to all emergency services. Removing the snow and ice allows us in quicker and it’s safer to get anyone out.”
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