Vacant and Abandoned Building Marking Systems

by Michael Daley
Created: April 18, 2011

Lt. Michael Daley looks at a well-designed marking system that can identify hidden hazards from the exterior, helping firefighters determine their firefighting tactics.

Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 1. Lack of housekeeping and maintenance increase the risk to responders converging on this structure.
Photo 1. Lack of housekeeping and maintenance increase the risk to responders converging on this structure.
Photo by Micahel P. Daley

Photo 2: This vacant residential structure is part of an estate transaction. This building is boarded up to deter burglars and vandals from damaging the property.
Photo 2: This vacant residential structure is part of an estate transaction. This building is boarded up to deter burglars and vandals from damaging the property.
Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 3: This abandoned residential dwelling is showing exterior signs of neglect; more surprises can be laying in wait on the inside.
Photo 3: This abandoned residential dwelling is showing exterior signs of neglect; more surprises can be laying in wait on the inside.
Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 4: This abandoned property was well involved upon arrival of the suppression units. The fire spread to two other abandoned exposures before being brought under control.
Photo 4: This abandoned property was well involved upon arrival of the suppression units. The fire spread to two other abandoned exposures before being brought under control.
Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 5: This abandoned electronics store collapsed without warning. It had been abandoned for quite some time.
Photo 5: This abandoned electronics store collapsed without warning. It had been abandoned for quite some time.
Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 6: The placard is conveniently placed below the significant damage in this heavy timber building. Weakened masonry materials are evident as well.
Photo 6: The placard is conveniently placed below the significant damage in this heavy timber building. Weakened masonry materials are evident as well.
Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 7: The International Fire Code says the placard shall be 24-by-24 inches with a red background, white reflective stripes and a white reflective border.
Photo 7: The International Fire Code says the placard shall be 24-by-24 inches with a red background, white reflective stripes and a white reflective border.
Photo by Michael P. Daley

Photo 8: This structure once served as the local police station, complete with working prisoner cells. Without a pre-plan of this building, the potential for a disaster is monumental.
Photo 8: This structure once served as the local police station, complete with working prisoner cells. Without a pre-plan of this building, the potential for a disaster is monumental.

MICHAEL P. DALEY is a lieutenant and training officer with the Monroe Township, NJ, Fire District No. 3, and is an instructor with the Middlesex County Fire Academy, where he is responsible for rescue training curriculum development. Mike has an extensive background in fire service operations and holds degrees in business management and public safety administration. Mike serves as a rescue officer with the New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 and is a managing member for Fire Service Performance Concepts, a consultant group that provides assistance and support to fire departments with their training programs and course development. You can reach Michael by e-mail at: FSEducator@aol.com.

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