I was recently hired to find a water / moisture problem in a condominium complex here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We had spent countless hours tacking down wind currents, water leaks and attempting to define building techniques. On our third day I decided to use a smoke pencil to see where the air currents were coming and going within elevators and shafts. I knew we had to use it sparingly due to the smoke / fire alarms installed.  This worked great from the top floor down to the 2nd floor. Yes, Whoops!!! The alarm started sounding and it was near deafening inside the building. "This is not a test, you must evacuate the building immediately. This is a fire alarm, you must exit the premises immediately". I am a fire fighter from a nearby town and so I called 911 to notify them of my error. To late, there engines were en-route and they wouldn't stop until they got there. What seemed like an eternity (though it was only a matter of minutes) we were watching everyone exit the building via the stairs. Spring break has started here, what an array of clothing can be found at noon in the middle of the week. Kids in PJ's, girls in bikini's and somebody I'm sure was Walter from "Grumpy Old Men" Most people took it pretty well as I told them what had happened.

I was sure embarrassed to tell the Fire Department when they arrived what had happened. I had to sign a fairly expensive piece of paper stating what I did. Lots of lessons to be learned here. Things like, when to use a smoke pencil, when not to use a smoke pencil, how to turn off a fire / smoke alarm in a condominium, response times of fire departments, how to contact the management and alarm company quickly, and of course how to swallow some pride.

What did you do today?

 
Posted by Jim Ellis on 03/08/2009 05:54 PM   Comments (3)   Condominium Mold Inspecction in the ActiveRain Channel   condo, inspection, fire, smoke, alarm, mold  
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How long does it take to inspect a home?
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Creative work
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more flashing
03/31/2008
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Some things don't seem to change, that is the quality of some work I've been seeing. I am wondering if perhaps it has something to do with hurricane Ivan. It's been over 3 years and some of those homes repaired are likely up for sale… more
Health concerns
03/19/2008
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While entering a crawlspace during a home inspection here in Pensacola, FL I couldn't help but notice a rank odor. The odor was strong enough to pierce my breathing apparatus. It didn't take long to see someone had done some plumbing work… more
Stucco flashing, again
03/14/2008
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At an inspection yesterday all flashing and window sealants looked terrible. I expected to find lots of damage. Though I did get some elevated moisture readings, I probed to find no damage under windows or kick out flashings. Here is a picture of how… more
 

Jim Ellis

Pensacola, FL

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Ellis Home Inspection Services

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