Getting ready for a fire marshal inspection

What gets checked

The Pea Ridge and Fayetteville guide says exit doors must be unobstructed, unlocked from the inside and usable without special knowledge or tools.

The guide says extension cords are for temporary use only, must plug directly into the wall and must not run through walls, ceilings, doors or carpets.

The Arkansas guide requires electrical and mechanical rooms to be clear of storage, with 36 inches of clearance in front of electrical panels.

The guide says fire alarm and sprinkler systems must be inspected and tagged every year by a licensed technician, with records kept for the fire marshal.

The Snyder, Texas Fire Marshal's Office lists the usual violations as blocked exits, misuse of extension cords, unmaintained extinguishers, dead emergency lights and poor storage of combustibles.

The Snyder pre-inspection checklist asks businesses to keep stored goods at least 24 inches below the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinkler heads.

The Stillwater, Oklahoma Fire Department says its Fire Marshal's Office contacts registered businesses to schedule an inspection at a convenient time.

Sources: Expired extinguisher tags top the list; Common violations list; How Oklahoma inspections are scheduled