Fire safety is shared—but responsibility must be clear.

The strata corporation manages common property and common assets. Council provides the governance, funding and oversight needed to carry out those responsibilities.

• Approve appropriate funding for inspections, testing, maintenance and repair of shared fire-safety systems.
• Ensure qualified contractors are retained and identified deficiencies are followed through to completion.
• Confirm Fire Safety Plan responsibilities are assigned and understood.
• Retain service reports, certificates, deficiency notices, invoices and repair documentation.
• Address hazards involving common areas, exits, fire doors, storage and shared building equipment.

A property manager, caretaker or building manager may coordinate much of the day-to-day work. Their precise responsibilities depend on their contract, authority and the Fire Safety Plan.

• Schedule inspections, testing, service visits and contractor access.
• Track due dates, reports, deficiencies, repair orders and outstanding recommendations.
• Advise council when required work is overdue, incomplete or outside the approved budget.
• Coordinate resident notices and emergency communication when authorized.
• Keep records organized and available for council, contractors and fire inspectors.

The Fire Safety Director, alternates and designated supervisory staff carry out the duties assigned to them in the building’s current Fire Safety Plan.

• Understand the building’s emergency procedures, alarm systems, exits and fire-protection equipment.
• Receive training before being assigned responsibility for fire-safety duties.
• Know how to contact 9-1-1 and the building’s emergency service providers.
• Ensure required keys, access devices and emergency information remain available.
• Help coordinate drills, occupant information, Fire Watch and required records.

Residents are an important part of the building’s fire-safety system. Everyday choices can either protect—or compromise—the safety features maintained by the strata.

• Follow posted emergency procedures and evacuate when required.
• Keep corridors, stairways, exit doors and escape routes clear.
• Never disable, obstruct or alter alarms, sprinklers, fire doors or other safety equipment.
• Promptly report damaged equipment, blocked exits and unsafe storage.
• Maintain equipment within the strata lot when that responsibility belongs to the owner or occupant.