Safe and Secure Communities

High Risk Fire Inspections - Performance Measure 1.14

The Fire Medical Rescue Community Risk Reduction Division serves the citizens of Tempe by protecting life, property, and the environment by preventing emergencies before they happen. This is achieved by providing fire and life safety inspections, community education and investigation services to enhance public safety and improve emergency responders' ability to manage an incident.

Measure

Perform fire inspections of all High Risk Occupancy facilities annually based on adopted national standards.

Why this Measure Matters

The Fire Medical Rescue Community Risk Reduction Division is the fire code enforcement authority in the City of Tempe.

https://codes.iccsafe.org/

Conducting Fire Inspections of High-Risk Occupancies is crucial for several reasons:

Fire Safety Compliance: Regular Fire inspections ensure that buildings comply with fire safety codes and regulations adopted by the authority having jurisdiction. Compliance reduces the risk of fire hazards and ensures that the building is safe for occupants.

Early Detection of Hazards: Fire Inspections help identify potential fire hazards such as faulty wiring, combustible materials, blocked fire exits, or malfunctioning fire suppression systems. Early detection allows for timely corrective actions to prevent fires from occurring.

Maintenance Checks: Regular Fire Inspections include checking fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency lighting to ensure they are in proper working condition. Proactive maintenance is essential for these systems to function effectively during a fire emergency.

Occupant Safety: The primary goal of fire inspections is to protect the lives of occupants. Ensuring that fire safety measures are in place and functional significantly reduces the risk of injuries or fatalities in the event of a fire.

Liability and Insurance Purposes: Insurance companies often require proof of regular fire inspections to provide coverage. Failure to comply with inspection requirements could lead to increased insurance premiums or denial of claims in case of a fire-related incident.

Legal Requirements: Many jurisdictions mandate annual fire inspections for certain types of buildings, including schools, hospitals, and care facilities. Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or legal consequences.

Peace of Mind: Regular inspections provide peace of mind to building owners, managers, and occupants, knowing that all necessary measures are in place to minimize the risk of fire and ensure a safe environment.

Baseline

20.6% (FY 2015/16)

Target

100% annually

Strategies

To ensure effective annual fire inspections, several high-level programs or proposals are essential:

Training and Certification: Implement comprehensive training programs for fire inspectors to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to conduct thorough inspections annually. Certification is required to maintain high standards and consistency in inspection practices.

Standardized Inspection Protocols: Update standardized inspection protocols that outline procedures, checklists, and criteria for evaluating fire safety measures as applicable every year. These protocols should cover everything from fire alarms and sprinkler systems to emergency exits and electrical wiring.

Technology Integration: Utilize technology such as digital inspection tools, databases, and reporting systems to streamline the inspection process annually. This helps in scheduling inspections, recording findings, tracking compliance, and generating reports efficiently.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch quarterly public awareness campaigns to educate building owners, tenants, and the general public about the importance of fire inspections. Promote fire safety practices and encourage proactive maintenance of fire safety equipment.

Incentives and Penalties: Utilize incentives for compliance with annual fire inspection requirements, such as reduced insurance premiums or recognition for exemplary safety records. Conversely, impose penalties for non-compliance to enforce adherence to regulations. Evaluate incentives and penalties annually.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: Foster annual collaboration among fire departments, building owners, tenants, insurance companies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure coordinated efforts in fire prevention and safety. This includes sharing information, conducting joint training exercises, and addressing emerging fire safety concerns.

Continuous Improvement: Implement mechanisms for continuous improvement of fire inspection programs. This involves regularly reviewing inspection protocols, incorporating feedback from stakeholders, updating regulations as needed, and adapting to technological advancements in fire safety every quarter.