Response from the web site of the State Fire Marshall http://www.smfd.ca.gov/faq_fpb.htm

(link current as of 11.17.2008)  

An Emergency Plan and Information Policy explains the requirements found in Title 19 for emergency planning. Please see the policy for the specific requirements based on the type of occupancy.

In addition to the Title 19 requirements, the California Fire Code has requirements for multiple-unit residential buildings. Apartments, which have on-site management, must have an emergency plan, staff training and fire drills for staff only on a quarterly basis.

Emergency plans shall include:

• The procedure for reporting emergencies and notifying, relocating and evacuating occupants;
  
• Staff member duties during emergencies;
  
• Floor plans identifying the locations of portable fire extinguishers, other manual fire-extinguishing equipment, manual fire alarm pull stations and fire alarm control panels;
  
• Floor plans identifying the primary and secondary routes of evacuation for each room or portion of the occupancy;
  
• Floor plans indicting the locations of interior areas of refuge; and
  
• Site maps identifying the designated exterior assembly area for each evacuation route.

Apartment buildings, with or without onsite management, must provide an emergency guide to tenants. The guide must describe the location, function and use of all fire protection equipment and appliances accessible to tenants, including fire alarm systems, single-station smoke detectors and portable fire extinguishers. The guide shall also include an evacuation plan for each dwelling unit.

Last updated on November 17, 2008 by MRU Managing Editor