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Beagle, Lehner
Introduce Legislation Aimed at Keeping Renters Safe
COLUMBUS –State Senators Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City) and Peggy Lehner
(R-Kettering) today introduced legislation aimed at keeping renters
safe in the event of a fire. The bill requires a separate means of
egress for all dwelling areas above the second story of a residential
rental property.
“When a fire breaks out, you have moments to make a decision on how you
will escape. Every second matters and ensuring you have an escape plan
in place is critical,” said Beagle.
The need for legislative action became evident after two University of
Cincinnati students, Ellen Garner and Chad Kohls, were trapped in a
third story attic bedroom when a fire started on the second floor. The
only safe exit from the room was an internal staircase, which quickly
became engulfed in smoke. The 36-foot jump from the third story window
onto the cement pavement was not a viable escape route. Ellen and Chad
were trapped and decided to try to escape through the smoke-filled
stairwell. They passed out from smoke inhalation before the fire
department could rescue them, and the two later passed away at a nearby
hospital.
Currently, rental homes that have more than two stories are not
required to have any secondary means of egress. Additionally, it is
common for landlords renovate an attic or top floor into a bedroom,
despite the staircase being the only safe means of egress. This
practice is often seen in off-campus housing statewide and poses a
serious threat to students.
“Egress ladders can be an inexpensive lifesaving tool,” said Lehner.
“We need to make sure our families, neighbors, and children can get out
alive and safely.”
Representative Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) also introduced similar
legislation today in the Ohio House. Both pieces of legislation now
await committee assignments.
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