On April 3,2017 the Town of Ocean City Council took the Fire Marshal’s recommendation and made a change to the fire code as it pertains to buildings over 50 feet (high rises). In its current status, the fire code required heat sensors that would activate similar to a smoke detector and sound an alarm.
Several years ago the code changed and these same buildings were required to have sprinkler systems installed throughout the buildings common areas and the units. The sprinklers are triggered at the same temperature as a heat sensor. When a sprinkler activates, an alarm is triggered on the fire alarm panel.
The code required these buildings to test to make sure the heat sensors were working on a regular basis and report that information in to the Town. The Town also requires the sprinklers to be checked on a quarterly basis. These buildings will save money on testing of the heat devices and the cost of issuing the reports to the town.
The town has agreed to remove the requirement of heat detectors in these buildings. Removing the redundancy and saving homeowners money is a great way to start the spring.
Do you have questions? Fire Marshal Ryan Whittington will be at the Delmarva Condominium Managers Association (DCMA) on Tuesday April 11, 2017 at 12:30 at the Princess Royale. RSVP to gm@plazaoceancity.org
Thanks for reading. Stay safe!
