Required sign compliance provides potential life saving environment for firefighters

The Aldridge-Benge Firefighter Safety Act, which was unanimously passed by both the Florida House and Senate and became state law in late 2010, has not completely been adopted by all area businesses meeting this criteria.

Florida Statute 633.027, requires the owners of commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential buildings (three or more units) in Florida to be marked with an emblem to warn firefighters of the use of lightweight floor and roof trusses, which are prone to early collapse under fire conditions. The act was named in the memory of two Orange County (FL) firefighters who were killed in the collapse of a gift shop that was constructed of such
components.

Reaction and adoption to this very important state law appears to be slow. The South Walton Fire District is urging area business partners to comply with this state requirement.

A letter outlining the state statue and emblem requirements was recently distributed by utilizing the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce e-blast system. It is estimated that over 4,000 e-mail addresses have received this information.

For additional information regarding this statute, please contact Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal SWFD or visit www.swfd.org