Renters need to look closely at apartment fire safety features

By MIKE KRAFCIK 6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The South Knoxville apartment complex building that burnt to the groundWednesday lacked many important safety features thatfire investigators say could have made a difference.

According to investigators, building D of the Southwood Apartment complex had no firewall and no sprinkler system.

The building was constructed in 1968, when fire codes didn't require many modern safety features.

There are lots of apartments around East Tennessee, with different prices for rent and different amenities. But what do they offer when it comes to safety? What should you be looking for and what are property owners required to have?

"Most people looking for apartments are looking for aesthetics and costs. They're not really considering the danger of what might be," said Fire Marshal Danny Beeler.

According to fire marshals, the age and size of the building will determine what features are required for an apartment building.

Current fire codes require that apartment buildings with 16 units in one building have certain safety features like fire walls, monitored alarm systems and sprinkler systems.

"I think sprinklers save lives probably better than anyother single feature that there is as far as fire prevention," said Beeler.

Apartment managers should know what kind of safety features they offer, and theyare required to keep an up-to-date maintenance record.

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Renters need to look closely at apartment fire safety features