Ocala Fire Rescue Reminds Businesses About Means of Egress Compliance During the Re-opening Period
(OCALA, Fla.) May 12, 2020 – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) is reminding businesses of the importance of complying with the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Life Safety Code – especially when it comes to means of egress during the re-opening period.
Means of egress (exits) provide safe paths of escape in times of emergency. Doors, stairs, and passageways typically allow people to evacuate a hazardous area in a short amount of time. However, to retain crowd control, these areas are often obstructed, causing fire hazards and a strain on businesses' life safety plans.
"We have noticed that while most businesses are vigilant about complying with the 25% maximum capacity directive, they are relying on physical access restrictions like blocking entry and exit points to do so," said Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Clayton Anderson.
For assistance identifying appropriate means of egress, or for help calculating a facility's occupant load, businesses within the city of Ocala can contact OFR's Fire Prevention Division. Inquiries can be directed to Captain Anthony Ortiz by phone (352-572-0380) or email (fireprevention@ocalafl.org).
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