In a Fire, Close All Doors Behind You!(NYC Admin code 15-135)
In a Fire, Close All Doors Behind You SIGN
Local Law 115 directed the Fire Department to require owners of multiple dwellings to post a notice in conspicuous locations indicating that those escaping a fire should close all doors behind them.
When escaping a fire, an apartment resident and the members of their household should close all doors behind themselves, including all doors within the apartment through which they exit. At all other times, public hallway corridor doors and all stairwell doors should be kept closed (except, of course, when using it to enter or exit the apartment or floor).
Some stairwell doors, and some public hallway corridor doors serving as fire and smoke barriers, are held open by a magnetic device that releases when a smoke detector on the floor activates. Such doors will close automatically, provided that there is nothing blocking them. Such doors do not have to be kept closed, but once they are released by the fire alarm system they should be allowed to close.
The rule establishes the design and content of a “Close the Door” notice and require its posting on the public hallway side of stairwell doors. The notice is to read:
In a Fire, Close All Doors Behind You!
Keep Fire and Smoke Out of Building Hallways and Stairs.
Keep Apartment and Stairwell Doors Closed at All Other Times.
Protect Your Neighbors and Your Home!
The message is visually reinforced by an image of a door ajar, with flames behind it. The final rule includes the image to be reproduced and both versions of the sign, in color; slightly modifies the size of the sign and image; and clarifies the lettering and background requirements. The final rule also clarifies that the notice must be maintained by promptly replacing any missing or damaged postings.
Read More about the Law -click Here
click here to read the final law
New York city apartment building emergency preparedness guide- click here ( mail to tenant)
NYC emergency planning and evacuations for residential building owners/managers- click here
NYC fire safety guide - click here