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Does have anyone have a good link to read up on this. I googled around and was not sure I found what I am looking for.
My downstairs neighbor is paranoid the apts are illegal because we all have 1 means of egress. I assume they are legal but no sure what the rights are for a 2nd exit.
Its a 4 family 2 story buildings(2 apts on each floor, I am 2nd floor rear).
There is no exit from the apt itself other than the main door. All apts lead to one hallway/stairwell that leads down to the front door.
There is really no other way out (short of going into a 1st floor apt and out the window, which I do not think counts.
call 311 they can give you a number to contact but let me warn you about 311 they can also be of no help. depends on the operator. Maybe you should contact your local fire Dept. and talk to them they can tell you an even fine your landlord if it is illegal. Firemen love when they are able to find stuff like this out because their lives are in jepoardy if they have a fire to deal with an the apt building has illegal rooms or apts.
no fire escape. I could go out the back window, it seems survivable with many broken bones at least - it is good ways down because there is a stoop before evening getting up to the 1st floor.
But I see the point about being a fire proof building, trying to see how to confirm this. Its older (estimated build 1931). I thought the COO, although it is not showing on the DOB site (although I dont doubt it exists).
If you are on the second floor get a fire ladder that stores under the bed and you can hang it out the window if need be.
We have a fire escape in the living room, but should we have a fire in there we have to use the bedroom window, which is not near the front door, so we have boat rope, tied in knots every foot and it is under our bed, should we ever need to get out in case of an emergency. it really is important that all apartment dwellers know what to do in case of a fire.
But I see the point about being a fire proof building, trying to see how to confirm this.
In larger building they usually have this data posted somewhere, often the mailroom. Your insurance company wants this info.
A clue to fireproof is concrete floors and ceilings with stamped steel studs behind the drywall...no wood in the walls.
Another good clue is metal window frames.
The staircase must be completely enclosed in masonry.
(Failure to enclose the staircases in masonry cost the lives of lots of people in the WTC.)
Can anyone tell me if fire safety building code is different for a sprawling old mill building converted to loft apartments than it would be for an apartment house? There is only one means of egress from the apartment. The only windows open onto a sheer drop into a river/canal. No window in bedroom. Does this seem OK?
Thanks for any information you may have.
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