The enjoyment and enchantment of the winter chill is something that everyone gets excited for, but it also comes with some challenges for property safety because snow accumulates on the fire escape, which makes the fire escape dangerous and slippery, putting occupants’ lives at risk. It is recommended to scrape snow manually with gentle tools while following all the safety measures. Residential and commercial property owners in NYC must rely on DOB & LOCAL LAW 11 safety guidelines and must avoid the use of salts and chemicals to prevent the reaction of salts and moisture on metal. Residents should call fire escape maintenance professionals as soon as possible to address the damage early, before it gets worse.
In this blog, we’ll thoroughly discuss how NYC residents can handle snow on fire escapes responsibly and adequately.
What Are The Risks Posed By the Snowy Fire Escape?
Fire Escape is built to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies when all the main routes are cut off due to any kind of fire hazard. So it is obliged to keep your emergency exits clear, but in winter, when snow or ice accumulates, some complications occur:
Risk of Slips & Falls
Even a thin layer of snow can freeze overnight, turning metal steps into ice sheets. In an emergency, this can lead to slips, falls, and injuries, thereby delaying evacuation or rescue efforts.
Load-related Damage
Heavy snow can weigh down the fire escape’s metal grates and railings. Over time, this weight may cause bending, rusting, or even partial collapse if the structure is already weakened by age or corrosion.
Obstructed Emergency Egress
If snow piles up high enough, it can block windows, ladders, or hatches, preventing easy access to the escape route when you need it most.
Oxidation
When snow melts and refreezes, moisture lingers on metal surfaces. This repeated freeze-thaw cycle promotes rusting, which reduces the fire escape’s lifespan and safety over time.
If you want to learn about the different kinds of fire escapes designed for NYC buildings, read our detailed guide on What are the different types of fire escapes?
Are there Any Legal Obligations For Clearing Snow from a Fire Escape?
Yes! In NYC, there are several legal obligations to clear out your fire escapes, as it’s a matter of safety for occupants in residential and commercial properties. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) emphasizes that any cleaning or maintenance on a fire escape should be done without putting yourself at risk or using tools that could damage the structure. If you are a tenant and the fire escape of the house you’re living in is covered by snow, then you should definitely contact the property owner to take rapid action.
To better understand how NYC codes ensure safety, check out our article on How to check if a fire escape meets safety codes.
Recommended Snow Removal Practices
Let’s have a look at some of the safe methods to remove snow from a fire escape without putting yourself or the metal at risk:
- Make sure to clear the snow with a non-abrasive broom that doesn’t damage the surfaces.
- Make sure to step outside when it is necessary through windows.
- Make sure to use non-metallic equipment that is not actually sharp and doesn’t scrape out the metal coatings and paints.
- Make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals & corrosive substances, instead use sand.
- Make sure to use a stable footing during snow clearing to enhance traction.
- Make sure to monitor fire escape integrity before and after snow and look for rusted joints, loose bolts, or weak steps.
For more insights into choosing the best fire escape structure for your property, visit Which type of fire escape is best for NYC apartments?
Guidelines for Landlords During Snowstorms
Maintenance of the fire escape in NYC is necessary to keep your property up to the mark and under the NYC Building Code. Property owners must ensure that these features are followed by their fire escape.
- Fire escapes are structurally sound and rust-free.
- Exit windows and doors are accessible year-round.
- Tenants are informed about keeping exits clear.
Building owners should schedule annual inspections, especially before winter. A licensed professional can assess rust, joint strength, and paint integrity to ensure the fire escape can handle winter conditions safely.
You can also explore Best fire escape materials for NYC weather conditions to learn which materials perform best against snow and rust.
Situations Where Professional Intervention Is Demanded
Have a keen eye on these issues, and if something like this happens to your fire escape, call the professional fire escape contractor in NYC immediately, while avoiding cleaning the snow by yourself.
- When heavy ice deposits on the steps or ladders.
- When your fire escape is rusted or the decking is loose.
- When potential hazards, including corroded rails or unsecured hardware, are present.
- When you can’t clear out the snow manually with a broom.
For deeper understanding, read can you replace an old fire escape with a modern design?
How To Prepare a Fire Escape For Winter?
The following are the preventive measures to take before the snowstorm hits your fire escape again and snow peaks form.
- Inspect your fire escape before winter for loose paint or rust.
- Keep the window access area clear of furniture or storage.
- Repaint the fire escape for lasting protection.
- Inspect before every snowfall to use a tarp to cover the fire escape.
- Also, ask your neighbors to keep the fire escape checked and protected before snowfall arises.
Also, learn how cold weather affects fire escapes in NYC to take preventive action before winter begins.
Conclusion
Keeping your fire escape safe during snowy winters is a responsibility every NYC resident should take seriously. Regular checks, safe cleaning methods, and timely professional help can prevent accidents and costly damage. Always follow NYC safety codes and never ignore signs of rust or corrosion. A well-maintained fire escape ensures protection for you and everyone in the building.
Sardar Restoration Corp proudly serves every corner of NYC, including the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, and Queens. Our services are designed to meet your specific needs, providing top-quality solutions wherever you are. Check our service areas to see how we can assist you in your location.
Contact us today at (+1) 917-355-8556 or sardarrestoration@gmail.com, or visit us at 2770 Fish Ave, Bronx, NY 10469, United States.
FAQs
Do you offer fire escape cleaning or snow removal services in NYC?
Yes, we do! Sardar Restoration Corp. offers fire escape cleaning and snow removal services in NYC with specialized tools and non-abrasive cleaning methods to prevent corrosion.
Do you use rock salt or deicers during cleaning?
No! Our fire escape contractor in NYC does not recommend using rock salt and chemical deicers; we prefer to use eco-friendly or manual methods to clean the ice in winter, as they are safer and keep your structure stable.
Will you inspect my fire escape before clearing the snow?
Yes! Our fire escape inspection contractor in NYC conducts a detailed inspection to check for rust, loose bolts, corrosion, and signs of weakening before cleaning to let you know which part of the fire escape needs immediate repair.
How often should I inspect my fire escape during winter?
It’s best to inspect your fire escape before every major snowfall and after each storm. Regular checks help you spot rust, ice buildup, or loose parts early before they turn into safety risks.
Can you handle both residential and commercial buildings?
Yes! Sardar Restoration Corp. handles all types of fire escape maintenance and repair services in both residential and commercial properties throughout NYC.
