Article from Volume 6, Issue Number 1, 2019

CondoSTRENGTH - Winter 2019

By Louisa Ryz | Other articles by Louisa Ryz | Regular Column

CondoSTRENGTH

Name: Louisa Ryz
Condominium: Winnipeg CondominiumCorporation No. 517

Being a 50 plus building, our owners and residents were asking about how we would vacate the building in case of an emergency. The Fire Inspector advised that it is not mandatory to hold a fire drill for our building and, in fact, it might upset and worry some of the residents. However, fire safety in a condominium is extremely important. Knowing what to do immediately will prevent panic and chaos in very trying circumstances when calm and order are of the utmost importance. Our condominium board wanted to address and inform our residents about fire safety and prevention. Rather than just produce and deliver handouts with the hope that folks would read them and keep them for future reference, it was decided to plan a seminar in our multi-purpose room.

The seminar was held on three different days, at different times of the day in order to accommodate those residents who are still in the work force. We placed sign-up sheets on the main bulletin board asking residents to sign up on their preferred date. The attendance for all three days was more than 85%. After the presentation, owners were invited to ask questions and discuss the material presented to them and it was obvious that people were very much engaged. A fire station was visited by board members and firemen personnel were found to be most helpful in providing both information and brochures.

As well, a Fire Safety demonstration given by a Fire Safety Company in Saint-Boniface actually allowed us to take part in a purposely set and regulated fire. Each of us took turns in putting out the fire. We were also gifted with a fire extinguisher from the company after explaining that we were planning our 3-day workshop. The seminars were very effective, and the board continues by way of newsletters and reminders to help residents be aware of various methods of fire safety and fire prevention – also handouts, ads on our bulletin board, having dryer vents cleaned regularly, changing smoke alarm units and smoke alarm unit batteries – sot that we are doing our best for everyone in the building.