Cole Urges Businesses to Check
Emergency Systems after Power is Restored
JEFFERSON CITY, July 21, 2006-After Wednesday’s
storm, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole alerted businesses and building
owners in the St. Louis region that their emergency systems such as
fire alarm, emergency lighting and lighted exit signs may not function
properly when power is restored.
“My primary concern is those facilities involving
our most vulnerable citizens including children and elderly,”
Cole said. “The proper operation of these battery back-up systems
can be a critical element in relation to the safety of building occupants
during an emergency situation.”
Most emergency systems in buildings have battery back
up in case of a power failure. This back up system allows at least
ninety minutes of auxiliary power for short-term operation during
an outage. A battery back up system completely discharges during a
long-term outage event such as the area is experiencing.
After power is restored, within a 24-hour period the
battery back up system should fully recharge, however, this will depend
on the condition of the batteries such as age and whether they have
been properly maintained.
Cole urges owners to test their emergency lights and
lighted exits signs within 24 to 36 hours after power is restored.
The equipment that does not properly function should be replaced as
soon as possible.