INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: NorthSteppe Manager and Co-owner
- What type of fire safety devices are in use throughout residential living spaces?
In residential spaces, management installs smoke detectors in the kitchen. Additionally, bedrooms and space near bathrooms also have smoke detectors. Residential living is comprised of 4 bedroom units or less.
- What type of fire safety devices are in use throughout commercial buildings?
Commercial buildings are also installed with smoke detectors as well as handheld fire extinguishers placed in communal spaces. Some building are equipped with overhead sprinkler systems to cover larger areas, per building code.
- How are your fire safety policies and protocols kept up to date?
It is the tenants responsibility to check the smoke detectors and to replace the batteries as needed. If any problems occur, management should be notified. Moreover, annual fire inspections are carried out by The City of Columbus Division of Fire.
- Do you allow tenants to alter or replace any existing structure?
No. Tenants are not allowed to replace, remove or alter any existing locks. The leases also prohibit altering the plumbing, ventilation, air-conditioning, electric or heating systems. These policies help ensure proper maintenance is done only by licensed technicians and curbs potential risks of injury, damage or fire.
- Are there any household devices prohibited in rental properties due to risk of fire?
Kerosene, propane or oil burning heaters are not allowed on property. Tenants must only use dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, freezers, heaters or other appliances installed or provided by management or with the company’s consent.
- Are there additional regulations tenants must follow to increase property safety?
We do not allow fireworks, pets/other animals or access to the roof within our properties. No charcoal grills or other heat sources may be used on porches, stairs, walkways or wooden decks (this includes furniture and other flammable storage items, per city law). Leases also specify an inside temperature of 60 degrees should be maintained to prevent damage to pipes, especially during winter months.
- Has your realty company experienced any severe risks from fire?
Yes, over the 30-plus years of operating off-campus housing in Columbus we have seen numerous active fire situations and one catastrophic event resulting in tenant death. The most common situations almost always involve misuse of kitchen equipment, such as conventional oven and toaster oven fires. Fires have also been caused by a faulty extension cord and a bathroom fan fuse from being left on while out of the house.
Link to 64 East 17th Ave Fire:
(http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/16/us/fire-that-killed-5-students-is-called-arson.html?_r=0)