HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 11 22 Informational 302
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 302
CONSENT
INFORMA TIONAL X
PUBLIC HEARLNG
REGULAR
November 22, 2004
Meeting
MGR. YIDEPT...:Jr; I
Authorization /
REQUEST: Fire Department is providing information to the City Commission about safety
issues concerning boarding windows on occupied dwellings.
PURPOSE: This agenda item is to update the Commission on concerns raised by
Commissioner Robert Miller in regards to residents who continue to leave
their windows boarded up after the threat of storms producing high winds
subside.
CONSIDERATION:
. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 st and continues until November 30th each year.
This year in particular three hurricanes affected Central Florida and the City of Winter
Springs. Hurricane Charley (August 13th), Frances (September 4th), and Jeanne (September
25th). After the impact of Hurricane Charley residents reacted to a greater extent when
preparing for the other hurricanes. People boarded up their windows and took other
precautionary measures to prepare for the hun-icanes including leaving boards on their
homes between storms. Some reasoning behind leaving the boards up between storms
include fearful of subsequent storms and exhaustion both physically and mentally.
. Local and State fire codes do not include any provisions that include private residential
dwelling enforcement for obstruction of egress, like boarding up of windows and doors.
However, if a business were boarded up, before they could reoccupy the business the
required means of egress would have to be cleared of obstructions. In the search for
information on restrictions to boarding up windows, the City of Weston, Florida has an
ordinance that addresses a period limit of 10 consecutive days for storm shutters to be
placed on structures certified for occupancy.
. Safety is the primary concern for residents to remove the boards and/or covering over their
doors and windows after the storm has passed. Not only will the boards provide protection
[Tom the wind and flying debris during a hurricane but it also may prevent an occupant to
November 22, 2004
Information Item 302
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escape during a fire occurring in the structure or create delays in a person needing to be
rescued in an emergency.
. The other concern is the unsightliness ofthe structure clad with unpainted boards and
various other materials. Some homeowner associations cover this matter in the covenants
and deed restrictions.
· Within the next two weeks, the Fire Department will prepare a safety flier and deliver to
each home that is still boarded up reminding the occupant of the safety hazards associated
with blocking the means of egress.
A TT AcHMENTS:
N/A
COMMISSION ACTION: