Would Your Building Pass a Midnight Fire Drill?
Seth Kozlik
Why NFPA 101 Is the Safety Code Every Building Owner Needs to Know (But Often Overlooks)
Imagine This…
It's 2:17 AM. The power cuts out. A fire alarm blares. People scramble in panic.
Now answer honestly:
Can every person in your building find the way out — fast, in total darkness, without help?
What Is NFPA 101 — And Why Should You Care?
NFPA 101 is known as the Life Safety Code.
It’s not just a regulation. It’s a
blueprint to help people escape your building safely during fires, blackouts, and emergencies.
It covers three life-saving essentials:
- Egress routes – The paths people follow to escape.
- Exit doors – Where those paths lead.
- Emergency lighting – What helps them see the way.
Think of it like Google Maps for emergency evacuation — except it’s your responsibility to keep it working.
Who Must Follow NFPA 101?
Anyone who owns, manages, or maintains a building, including:
- Building Owners
- Facility & Operations Managers
- Property & Compliance Managers
- Hotel/Resort Operators
- Shopping Center Managers
- Healthcare Facility Directors
Whether it’s a corporate office, apartment complex, or warehouse — you’re on the hook.
What NFPA 101 Requires
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Egress Path | A continuous, clear way out — not blocked by furniture, storage, or locked doors. |
| Exit Doors | Must open outward, be unlocked, and easy to open without special knowledge. |
| Exit Signs | Clearly visible, illuminated, and placed where people can see them through smoke. |
| Emergency Lights | Must automatically turn on if power fails, and stay on for at least 90 minutes. |
| Testing Logs | You must test lighting monthly and record all results — or risk failing an inspection. |
Who Is Responsible for What?
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Building Owner | Final accountability for compliance, repairs, and vendor hiring. |
| Property Manager | Ensures daily upkeep, testing logs, and coordination with vendors. |
| Facility/Operations Manager | Performs monthly testing or supervises staff doing so. |
| Compliance Manager | Keeps documentation, confirms inspections, and prepares for audits. |
What Needs to Be Tested — And How Often?
| Frequency | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Test emergency lights for 30 seconds. Check exit sign visibility. |
| Annually | Simulate power failure. Lights must last 90 minutes. Document every detail. |
| Ongoing | Keep paths to exits clear. Repair broken signage or lighting immediately. |
Pro Tip: Keep logs for at least 3 years — Fire Marshals will ask!
Real-Life Check: Would You Pass an Audit?
Here’s what fire safety inspectors (or insurance adjusters) look for:
- Testing logs: “Show me your last 12 months.”
- Physical walkthrough: “Why is this stairwell exit locked?”
- Lighting test: “Let’s flip the breaker and see if the emergency lights work.”
No logs = Non-compliance = Fines or worse.
Where We Come In — Fire Testing Solutions
At Fire Testing Solutions, we don’t just test lights and doors — we safeguard lives and help you stay one step ahead of fire safety inspections.
What We Do for You:
- We inspect all emergency lights, exit signs, and egress paths to ensure full NFPA 101 compliance.
- We perform monthly and annual tests — including the 90-minute power-loss simulation — and document every step.
- We provide detailed compliance logs that pass audit checks from Fire Marshals, OSHA, and insurance providers.
- We offer digital recordkeeping so your compliance history is always just a click away.
- We help train your facility team to understand what to look for between inspections.
Whether you’re preparing for an official inspection or just want peace of mind —
we’re your trusted partner in making sure your building is always ready and your people are always protected.
Want to know where you stand today? Schedule a free evaluation and let us show you what a safe, compliant property really looks like.
Navigating fire safety in Southern California means more than following state codes — local fire departments add their own rules. Learn how to identify your AHJ, meet local requirements, and stay fully compliant with help from Fire Testing Solutions.
Discover how data-driven fire safety systems can help Southern California commercial properties stay compliant with NFPA 25 and Title 19, reduce emergency repairs, and pass inspections with smart, real-time monitoring and digital documentation.
Think of your building’s safety features not as individual gadgets, but as a highly coordinated team working together. Each player has a specific role, but they all rely on each other to protect your property and the people inside from fire, electrical shocks, and other dangers. When this team works seamlessly, it minimizes risks and prevents devastating losses, injuries, and even fatalities.
Learn why fire insurance claims get denied—and how to avoid it.
Discover why high-rise fire protection demands a different approach. Learn about the systems, standards, and inspections required to keep your building compliant and safe — floor by floor.
Learn the critical fire inspection deadlines in Orange County and what happens if you miss them.
Avoid the top 7 fire safety mistakes in healthcare. Real examples, simple fixes, and expert tips to keep your facility safe and compliant.
Get ready for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2025. Learn how property managers and building owners can protect lives and buildings with simple, effective wildfire safety actions.
Discover what 2024 revealed about fire safety failures—and how proactive property managers can protect buildings, tenants, and budgets in 2025.
In healthcare settings, fires can have devastating consequences due to the presence of vulnerable individuals, complex and expensive medical equipment, and valuable data. It is essential to develop a fire emergency plan that provides both prevention and rapid response measures to protect patients, staff, and property.
