By Doug Nelson, State Fire Marshal
As our summers come to a close and we settle back into our school-year routines, I wanted to take the time to discuss a few events that have taken place, a few things to look forward to and revisit a century code to be aware of this time of year.
At the end of July/beginning of August, I attended the National Association of State Fire Marshals Annual Symposium. At this meeting, important fire safety topics were discussed, emerging issues were taught, and I was re-elected to serve as a director of the board. This year, NASFM partnered with the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association and the International Fire Marshals Association to expand our reach and partnerships. Also, at this meeting, NASFM met with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on the topic of building relationships. We discussed common goals and how we can help each other achieve reduced risk, higher safety, and positively affect insurance rates. It is always more helpful to have partners and these groups all have common goals to help each other achieve.
This fall will be an exciting time for the fire service. First off, back to school has occurred, and we hosted our monthly Lunch-and-Learn on the topic. If you weren’t able to make it and would like to view it, please visit our website, where a recording is posted. Secondly, Fire Safety Week is right around the corner in October. Please keep tuned for further information from our CRR Leader Marcy Ost’s blogs, lunch and learns, and kitchen table meetings. There are a lot of things that you can do in your community to help highlight fire safety and all that you do.
The North Dakota Insurance Department and the State Fire Marshal’s office are beginning the process of studying the viability of creating a State Building Code Supervisor position. North Dakota remains the only state without a centralized building code authority. The position aims to enhance the uniformity and professionalism of our building codes. Our goal is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a voice in this study process. Your input and suggestions are crucial in shaping a policy discussion that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved. Studying the adoption of a uniform set of building codes aims to enhance the safety, quality, and durability of all structures, benefiting homeowners, developers, and the broader community. It will also help attract more investment and development by providing a predictable and reliable regulatory environment.
Lastly, I would like to highlight code requirements for fire safety evacuations and the NDSFM’s interpretation and application of these codes with ND schools. NDCC 15.1-06-12 states, “Each public and nonpublic school shall conduct fire, tornado, and other emergency or disaster drills, including lockdown drills.” In August of 2018, Our office in partnership with fire chiefs from around the state clarified what emergency evacuation drills were required in the International Fire code (IFC). The clarification included the number of drills (monthly) and how many shall specifically be fire drills (four per year). Also, supported by the IFC with further specifics, NDCC 15.1-06-11 states, “during all hours students are in school, any door or doorway that could be used as an exit in case of fire or other emergency remains free of all obstruction and free of any device or mechanism which may impede immediate egress through the door or doorway.” This section is particularly important because of the many devices that are centered on school security.
I hope you and your schools have a safe start to the school year and as always, please contact our office with any questions or concerns we can help with!