DO NOT BLOCK HALLWAY -CLEAR Means of Egress ( NYC code 1027)
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Keep Fire Escapes Clear
Some buildings have fire escapes which are to be used as exits in the event of an emergency like a fire.
- Keep Hallway and corridors clear at all times
- Keep windowsills and/or doors leading out to your fire escape clear, free of clutter and easily accessible.
- Keep exits that lead to fire escapes clear of security gates.
- Keep outside fire escapes clear at all times and do not use the area for storage.
Help your family escape from fire, and help first responders quickly access your apartment, by keeping exits free and clear of clutter or storage on fire escapes, hallways, and entrance doors including roof doors.
It is illegal to install key-locked window gates on fire escapes and double-cylinder locks on apartment doors which can trap residents inside an apartment in the event of a fire.
If there are obstacles that block your exits that do not belong to you, notify your property owner. If the issue is not corrected, register a complaint by calling 311.
1027.7 Fire escapes.
Fire escapes, and access thereto, shall be maintained in a safe and operational condition, and continuously maintained free from obstructions and impediments to immediate use in the event of fire or other emergency.
1027.7.1 Maintenance.
All fire escape components shall be painted or otherwise protected from deterioration and all moving parts shall be maintained in good working order.
1027.7.2 Window gates.
Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over windows or other openings onto fire escapes shall be maintained in good working order.
1027.7.3 Air conditioners.
An air conditioner shall not be installed in a window providing access to a fire escape unless such fire escape may be accessed from another window in the same room that is unobstructed and of the size required for such purpose by the Building Code, New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, or other applicable law, rule or regulation. Air conditioners installed in windows adjoining fire escapes shall not obstruct the path of egress on the fire escape.
1027.7.4 Fire escape ladders.
The operation of a fire escape ladder, including a drop ladder that is lowered vertically to the ground, or a counterbalanced stair ladder which swings to the ground, shall not be obstructed by awnings, stationary furniture, portable fueled space heaters, parked cars, or other obstructions. Where construction work is being performed at a location adjoining a fire escape, provision shall be made for safe egress from the fire escape ladder.
1027.8 Nonexit door identification.
Any door that is not an exit or otherwise part of the means of egress from a building, structure or premises, but which, by reason of its proximity or similar construction, can be confused with an exit door or other door that is part of the means of egress, shall be identified with an approved sign that reads “Not An Exit” and identifies the room into which the nonexit door provides access.
1027.9 Emergency Lighting.
Emergency lighting for means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with FC 107 and periodically inspected and tested in accordance with FC 1027.9.1 and 1027.9.2.
1027.9.1 Activation test.
Emergency lighting equipment shall be tested by a trained and knowledgeable person for a duration of not less than 30 seconds. The test shall be conducted manually at least once a month, unless the equipment is designed with an automated self-testing and self-diagnostic feature. When the equipment is tested by such an automated feature, a visual inspection of the emergency lighting equipment shall be conducted at least once a month to check the display for a supervisory or trouble signal, or for any other indication that the equipment is not in good working order.
1027.9.2 Power test.
Battery-powered emergency lighting equipment shall be tested by a qualified person in accordance with FC 604.5 by operating the equipment on battery power for not less than 90 minutes. The test shall be conducted at least once a year.
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