Apartment fire safety

Basic apartment fire protection
Each apartment is required to have working smoke detectors. It is the responsibility of the apartment landlord to provide these and repair them when deficient. However, tenants also have the responsibility to ensure that these items are present, clean and operational, and may be responsible for changing batteries in smoke detectors, if applicable. Your apartment should also have an available fire extinguisher or automatic sprinkler system or both. Make sure you are aware of the protection available to you and understand its use and maintenance. Non-compliance complaints or questions can be directed to the Fire Department Prevention Division at 913.888.6380.

Grills, propane and open flame devices
Per International Fire Code sections 308.3.1 and 308.3.1.1, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Two exceptions to this code are one- and two-family dwellings and where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Additionally, propane cylinders are not allowed to be used or stored in any locations as described above with the same exceptions.

These devices can still be used on first floor, noncombustible patios when the 10 foot distance requirement can be maintained. Keep in mind that combustible construction means the structure, patio fences and deck railings, as well as combustible decks above patios.

Annual fire inspections
All apartment buildings in Lenexa will receive an annual fire and safety inspection by trained fire inspectors. Deficiencies (if found) will be documented and provided to the landlord with a timeframe for compliance before re-inspection.

Upon completion of inspections, the landlord will be given a detailed explanation of any violation noted and a copy of the inspection. A re-inspection will occur approximately 30 days from the time of the initial inspection to ensure any violations have been corrected.

The following is a sample list of common violations:

  • Address must be located on the front and back of the building with a minimum size five-inch numbers in contrasting colors to the background and must be visible from the street.
  • All occupants are required to have a Certificate of Occupancy Permit and it must be posted in a visible location.
  • In a sprinklered occupancy, all ceilings tiles must be in place.
  • All pressurized cylinders must be properly secured, either in a cylinder cart or chained to the wall.
  • Double-keyed locks, deadbolts, hasps, padlocks, bars, and chains must not be installed on marked exits.
  • Electrical outlets and switch covers must be in place on all electrical devices.
  • Electrical panels must have all open slots properly covered and 36 inches of clearance in front of all electrical panels.
  • Electrical power strips may be used as an extension cord if they are circuit breaker protected. They must be plugged directly into a wall outlet (no daisy chaining).
  • Electrical rooms must be identified on the exterior of the door and cannot be used as storage areas.
  • Emergency lighting must illuminate the means of egress and operate on battery (DC) power.
  • Exit corridor and path must maintain a minimum of 44 inches of clear path at all times for occupancies with over 50 people and 36 inches for occupancies with less than 50 people.
  • Exit signs must be posted to show exit path. All exit bulbs shall operate on normal (AC) power and battery (DC) power.
  • Extension cords must not be used for permanent wiring (less than 90 days) and cannot run through walls, ceilings, doorways, floors or windows.
  • There must be one fire extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet and 75 feet of travel on every floor level. Minimum size 2A-IOBC secured visibly three to five feet off the floor. All fire extinguishers must have a current inspection tag showing an inspection within the last year.
  • Heating equipment must have proper clearance: 30 inches to access and 18 inches around perimeter.
  • Idle pallet storage, indoors: groups of four stacks, six feet tall, eight feet apart from other groups, and 25 feet from combustibles.
  • Means of egress must be an unobstructed and a continuous way of travel, including access to the exit, the exit itself and the exit discharge.
  • Storage must remain at least 18 inches from sprinkler heads and 36 inches from early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler heads.
  • Sprinkler heads must be replaced when damaged, dirty or painted. Must have a minimum of three replacement heads for each type used in occupant and one sprinkler wrench. All escutcheon collars must be in place.
  • Sprinkler rooms must be identified on the exterior of the door and cannot be used as a storage area.
  • Must have a current sprinkler system inspection tag showing an inspection within the last year.

For questions about inspections, contact the Lenexa Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at 913.888.6380 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.