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 “Since October 17th, we have tried to gain strength in the belief that the County Building Fire would lead to safer buildings in Chicago and make it less likely that another high-rise fire would lead to such tragedy. We expected new legislation that would make buildings safer in the event of fire. To learn of a new proposed ordinance that would lower safety standards rather than raise them is shocking and very upsetting.” – Jill Runk, The Chicago City Council is preparing to approve a new building code amendment that would allow electrical wiring used for fire alarm systems in high-rises to be installed without protective conduit, resulting in unprotected, open wiring, and exposing these crucial wires to the fire itself. Current building safety laws require fire alarm systems to be protected with steel conduit from the heat and fire. This new ordinance would lower these high safety standards, even below minimum requirements. Fire alarms in buildings are the single most critical life safety system that people depend upon for survival. Why would our city lower the safety standards protecting our residents and workers? This is not the kind of fire detection and notification our city deserves. Link to your alderman’s email here to send them a letter stating your concern, and ask why they would take this backward step. Our lives and safety are at stake.
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