Perhaps nothing is as devastating as fire out of control. Fire can kill, disable, and completely disrupt people’s lives. Fire can ruin businesses and destroy livelihoods. According to the US Fire Administration, 20 percent of fires in the United States occur in apartments.
These safety pages are provided to help equip you with the information you need to significantly reduce the possibility of fire occurring in your complex. If you have questions pertaining to any information contained in this manual, contact the Bellingham Fire Prevention Bureau.
- Address
- Alarm Systems
- Apartment Checklist
- Barbecue Grills
- Chemicals and Flammables Storage
- Combustibles Storage
- Community Safety Committee and Newsletter
- Conducting Property Inspections
- Cooking Inside Clubhouses and Recreational Areas
- Dumpsters
- Electrical
- Emergency Medical Services
- Emergency Preparedness from iPropertyManagment.com
- Exiting Systems
- Extinguishers
- Fire Lanes
- Heating and Ventilation (HVAC) Units
- Laundry Rooms
- Locks and Lock Boxes
- Pool Safety
- Propane and Natural Gas
- Sprinkler Systems
Working with the Fire Department
The information provided in this online manual, regarding fire and life safety, is intended to raise your awareness of safety issues and assist you in recognizing potential problems. To supplement the information in this manual, the Bellingham Fire Department is available for use in employee and tenant training. On-going education and training is essential.
As a manager or landlord, you have the ability to significantly reduce safety hazards by being observant and by following up on concerns forwarded to you by tenants.
Tenant Complaints
Occasionally complaints are received and evaluated by the Bellingham Fire Prevention Bureau. The first question asked is, “Have you notified your apartment manager or landlord?” If not, it is usually suggested they notify the manager prior to any intervention by the Bellingham Fire Department.
If fire department intervention occurs, an inspector will first discuss the concern with the manager and perform an inspection to evaluate the situation. If a problem exists, the inspector will then present recommended solutions to the manager and agree on a reasonable time frame for correction.
Manager Complaints/Landlord Complaints
If the tenant is maintaining an unsafe condition, the fire department, when requested by the manager or landlord, will determine if intervention is called for and the type of intervention necessary. Often, as a manager or landlord, the lease may allow you the ability to act on a problem, depending on the nature of the situation.
