10 Fire Code Violations You Can Fix on the Spot
10 Fire Code Violations You Can Fix on the Spot Fire safety should be a top priority for everyone. Whether you’re managing a business, a property, or even your home, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about protecting lives, reducing property damage, and, most importantly, preventing fires altogether. However, many of us overlook common fire code violations that can easily be fixed with a little attention and care. Fortunately, identifying and resolving these violations often doesn’t require a fire safety expert, and some can be handled quickly. At Central Fire, we make fire safety simple and accessible for everyone. We’re here to help you understand what fire code violations to look for and how you can fix them on the spot. Let’s dive into the ten most common fire code violations that you can easily spot and fix today. 1. Blocked Fire Exits Let’s start with the basics—fire exits. These are some of the most vital components of your building’s fire safety plan. When an emergency strikes, fire exits are the designated pathways for people to evacuate safely. But here’s the issue: fire exits are often blocked by items like furniture, storage, or other materials. Why is this a problem? A blocked fire exit can slow down evacuation and potentially trap people inside in the event of a fire. Fire exits must remain clear to comply with fire code regulations. How to fix it: Walk through your building and check all fire exit routes for any obstructions. Remove anything blocking doors or hallways that lead to fire exits. Ensure exit signs are visible and illuminated to guide people to safety. By keeping fire exits clear, you’re ensuring that everyone inside your building can safely evacuate in case of an emergency. 2. Obstructed Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense when a small fire breaks out. However, they’re only effective if they’re easily accessible. Fire extinguishers often get hidden behind shelves, furniture, or clutter, which could delay an emergency response. Why is this a problem? If a fire extinguisher is blocked, it may not be accessible in an emergency. If it’s hidden or misplaced, people may not even know where to find it. How to fix it: Make sure fire extinguishers are visible and within easy reach. They should be placed on walls, mounted at the proper height, and away from large furniture or other items. Ensure that nothing obstructs the area around the extinguisher, such as boxes or equipment. Perform regular checks to confirm that all extinguishers are easy to access. A few minutes spent rearranging your space can make a significant difference when it comes to preventing a small fire from turning into a disaster. For professional inspection contact central fire’s fire extinguisher services. 3. Expired Fire Extinguishers Did you know that fire extinguishers come with an expiration date? Over time, the chemicals inside the extinguisher can lose their effectiveness, and a discharged extinguisher won’t help in an emergency. Why is this a problem? If your fire extinguisher is expired, it may not work when needed the most. An expired extinguisher is a violation of fire safety regulations. How to fix it: Check the expiration date on each fire extinguisher. If expired, either replace the fire extinguisher or have it recharged by a professional (like Central Fire). Regularly inspect fire extinguishers for physical damage and check the pressure gauge to ensure it’s in the green zone. A quick inspection will ensure your fire extinguishers are in good working order, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re prepared if a fire breaks out. 4. Improper Storage of Flammable Materials Improperly stored flammable materials are one of the leading causes of fires. Many businesses and homes store things like gasoline, cleaning chemicals, or oil in places where they can easily catch fire, especially near heat sources. This is not just dangerous—it’s a violation of fire codes. Why is this a problem? Flammable materials can ignite if exposed to heat or sparks, causing a fire. Storing these materials improperly can violate local fire codes and regulations. How to fix it: Store all flammable materials, such as paint, gasoline, cleaning chemicals, and oil, in designated storage areas that are well-ventilated and fire-resistant. Ensure that flammable materials are kept away from heat sources, open flames, or electrical equipment. Use the proper containers for storing chemicals or fuels to avoid leaks or spills that could create a fire hazard. By taking just a few minutes to properly store your materials, you can significantly reduce the chances of a fire starting on your property. 5. Uncovered Electrical Panels Electrical panels control the power in your building, but when they are obstructed or left uncovered, they become fire hazards. Not only do blocked electrical panels increase the risk of fire, but they also slow down emergency responses in case of an electrical malfunction or fire. Why is this a problem? Uncovered or obstructed electrical panels can lead to overheating or sparks that could cause a fire. Emergency responders need quick access to electrical panels to cut power in the event of a fire. How to fix it: Ensure all electrical panels are covered with the proper panels and doors. Keep the area around electrical panels clear of storage and clutter. Regularly check for any signs of damage or wear to the panels and have them repaired if necessary. An easy walk-through of your building can identify any electrical panels that need attention. 6. Missing or Inadequate Fire Sprinklers Fire sprinklers are one of the most effective ways to contain a fire before it spreads, but they’re only effective if they’re installed correctly and maintained properly. Many buildings either don’t have sprinklers in certain areas, or the existing system is not up to code. Why is this a problem? Without fire sprinklers, fires can spread quickly, causing extensive damage and increasing the risk to people inside the building. Fire codes require sprinklers in certain areas based on building