DB 13-04 - Dangers of Vacant&Abandoned Buildings Flashcards
Fire Department members shall notify the ________ if they discover a vacant/abandoned property that presents a danger to firefighters.
The information provided shall also be entered in ______ and the Station Journal (F-2).
-Floor Captain at Metro Fire Command (MFC)
-FPOS
MFC Floor Captain will place a warning note (Modify Temporary Command) on the run sheet (teletype). This message will automatically attach to dispatch information
The _________ is the agency responsible for the ABATEMENT of buildings which constitute a nuisance, are hazardous, or in a substandard condition.
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
If field personnel discover a vacant/abandoned building that has not yet been addressed by LADBS or has been interfered with, LADBS Code Enforcement Bureau Senior Inspector shall be notified. (Shall also notify MFC)
What size are the placards used to alert firefighters of hazards in vacant buildings?
How many sides of the structure do they have to be posted on?
-24” x 30”
-at least two sides
Who provides and installs placards to alert firefighters of hazards in vacant/abandoned buildings?
The fire department
If the owner chooses to install the “warning” placards or use a private company, please have the owner notify the FIRE MARSHALLS office, in writing, within _____ days of the date of this letter.
14 days.
International Fire Code (Section 311):
Where shall placards be placed on the building according to the International Fire Code?
Placards shall be applied on the front of the structure and be visible from the street.
Additional placards shall be applied to the side of EACH ENTRANCE to the structure and on PENTHOUSES.
Placard size and color:
Placards shall be 24 inches by 30 inches with a red background, white reflective stripes and a white reflective border with ____ inches for hazard identification symbols.
6 inches
Placard Symbols:
Vacant/abandoned marker hazard identification symbols: The following symbols shall be used to designate known hazards on the vacant/abandoned building marker.
All that apply shall be placed directly ABOVE the placard.
R/O – Roof open
S/M - Stairs, steps and landing missing
F/E – Avoid fire escapes
H/F – Holes in floor
(The use of these symbols shall be informational only and SHALL NOT limit the discretion of the Incident Commander.)
The question of risk versus gain must be addressed every time fire officers are dealing with incidents in vacant/abandoned structures.
The following are the associated hazards:
-lack of maintenance and neglect of building
-structural materials are often exposed to the elements leading to deterioration
-rubbish from squatters
-holes in floors, missing railings, possible entanglement/entrapment hazards
-Fire protection systems neglected
Fires in vacant/abandoned buildings are usually caused by ______ or ______.
Arson or warming fires
A ________ building is a building that may be empty or unoccupied, but there exists an owner with an expressed interest in the building.
Vacant
A _______ building is where there is no clear owner/landlord or responsible party that can be easily reached. These buildings are often not secured, poorly maintained, dilapidated, and in a dangerous condition.
Abandoned
What dates should be posted on the placard?
-Date of application on the building
-Date when last inspected
When LAFD personnel encounter a vacant/abandoned property that presents a danger to firefighters, what notifications are required?
-MFC
-Building and Safety
-Owner
