The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services plans fire code reductions

Did you know that the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is considering significant cuts to some (currently) required safety measures for new construction? 

It's true, they are.  In fact, the items that are under consideration for reduction are nationally accepted safety standards that some of our state policy-makers apparently believe are unnecessary. 

View the proposed changes <HERE>

The Sun Prairie Fire Department opposes these changes and feels that they would dangerously and unnecessarily degrade the level of safety that is currently provided to the residents, employees and visitors to the State of Wisconsin and specifically...our fire district.

Notable among the reductions: DSPS is considering removal of the requirement of sprinkler protection in multi-family structures that have 20 or fewer individual living units.  (Currently sprinkler protection is required in all multi-family with 3 living units or more). 

To put that into perspective:  One of the new developments planned for the City of Sun Prairie in 2017 will have all of its 13 planned buildings sized to 20 or fewer units. 

Simply put, if this law passes, our city will have the potential of at least 250 individual apartment units (and their occupants) that will be constructed without simple, effective fire protection. 

Click Here to learn more about sprinkler protection

Additionally, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI outlets), which are currently required in areas where electricity and water have a high potential to mix (kitchens, bathrooms, sump pump areas of basement), are getting the boot.  With the changes to the code, these will no longer be required. 

How does this affect you?  Ever been in a basement with the electricity still on, and water on the floor? Got kids or have anyone close to you who has kids that take baths or use sinks with electrical appliances (hairdryer? Toaster?) nearby?

It happened right here in Wisconsin as recently as 2007.  A 6 year old girl was electrocuted and died when a hairdryer fell into the bathtub she was bathing in.  For reference-for just over $200, her death could have been avoided.  At the time of construction, the cost to protect a 1700 sq ft dwelling with appropriate GFCI outlets is approximately $.12/sqft or $205.27 

GFCI protection would have prevented this girl’s death.

  

What can you do?  Pay attention. Make sure your elected officials are hearing your voice by calling them, writing emails to them, taking every chance you can get to ensure that they understand the benefits of these (and other) safety measures.  Hold your elected officials accountable.  Their job is to represent you.  By law, changes to the law must go to public hearing prior to adoption-please consider attending those hearings on behalf of the fire service as we try to ensure that everyone in Wisconsin stays as safe as possible.  

Most important of all—PLEASE participate in helping to educate those who need it the most. If we can help people understand the problem, they will more likely to act.  (if you don’t know where to start or exactly what to do, just ask. Everyone here at SPFD will gladly help you out)

Finally, all of us here at Sun Prairie Fire Department got into this job to protect each other, our family, friends, neighbors and people who work or visit our community... 

We don't take that responsibility lightly.