Slated for Demolition

jeeff: 23rd Mar 2006 - 01:46 GMT

all hail the information age.

sageauthoring.com/fdny/construction/vacant.pdf
Fire Department, City of New York

FIREFIGHTING PROCEDURES
VOLUME 1 BOOK 3

MARKING OF VACANT BUILDING
1.3.1 As vacant buildings shall be identified and marked to indicate the degree of hazard involved. In marking vacant buildings, the following symbols shall apply:

[Square] - VACANT - Normal stability at time of marking
[Slash] - VACANT - Interior hazards exist to such a degree that interior operations may be conducted only after examination, and with extreme caution.
[X-ed out box] - VACANT - Every effort must be made to conduct operations from the exterior. When absolutely necessary to enter the building, adhere to the following:

A. Approval by officer in command is required.
B. Examination must be conducted before unit is committed.
C. Operating force and interior operational time to be kept to a minimum.

1.3.2 Such markings should be in lime yellow, reflective type paint.
SQUARE to be approximately 18" x 18". LINES to be 2" wide

1.3.3 Primary markings shall be made alongside the front entrance. If deemed advantageous, additional
markings shall be made at other places (fire escape, roof bulkhead, etc.).

1.3.4 Markings shall be used only as tentative indicators, as the condition of vacant buildings can alter dramatically due to vandalism, demolition, subsequent fire and water effects, etc.

1.3.5 A vacant building does not necessarily mean there is no civilian life hazard. Children, derelicts,
trespassers workmen, squatters, etc., may be present.

1.3.6 What may appear to be a vacant building could be occupied by one or more families. In many cases this occupancy may not be evident from the front of the building because the apartments in the rear of the building are the ones that are occupied.

1.3.7 Indications of tenants in an apparent vacant building:

A. Lights in windows of some apartments.
B. Curtains, window shades, plants, window gates.
C. Electric extension wires strung from utility pole, or through backyard of adjoining building into windows of an apparently vacant building.
D. Holes or signs of forced entry in sealed building.

(the pdf's fancy graphics are a little messed up, but i think the system is clear enough)