Evacusafe solutions

Pre DCA Inspection Guide

Prepare Your Fire Escape for a Smooth DCA Inspection

Our Pre-DCA Inspection Guide helps property owners and managers identify common issues before scheduling their official Department of Community Affairs (DCA) fire escape inspection. By reviewing key areas like structural integrity, hardware connections, and safe egress, you can avoid violations, minimize costly delays, and ensure your property is ready for certification under NJ Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70).

Your Step-by-Step Fire Escape Readiness Guide

Follow our professional pre-inspection guide to identify common issues early and ensure your property passes DCA review smoothly.
Building facades with fire escapes in New York in winter

 DCA-Approved Certification

A quick self-assessment can reveal visible damage or obstructions before the official DCA evaluation—saving time, money, and potential violation notices.

 

Exterior of a row of brownstone buildings with black metal fire escapes in a dense urban area.

Ensure a Seamless Certification Process

Our pre-inspection checklist and professional consultation service help owners pass their first DCA inspection confidently, with all documentation and safety measures in order.

 

What to Check Before Your DCA Fire Escape Inspection

Windows and fire escapes on an old building in Manhattan, New York City

Structural Integrity

Examine all beams, stairs, and platforms for rust, corrosion, or warping.

Confirm that the structure feels stable and shows no signs of sagging.

 

Exterior fire escape staircases

Connections & Hardware

Inspect all bolts, rivets, and anchor points attaching the fire escape to the building.

Replace any loose or missing fasteners to ensure stability.

 

Classic exterior metal fire escapes in New York City

Stairs & Railings

Verify that every stair and railing is secure, level, and able to bear weight.

Check that railings provide continuous support along all paths of egress.

Low Angle View Of Old Building In New York Usa

Egress & Obstructions

Clear all stored items, debris, or combustible materials from the fire escape and its surrounding area.

Ensure the path to and from the fire escape is fully accessible and unobstructed.

 

Maintenance & Finish

Maintenance & Finish

Remove flaking or peeling paint that may conceal corrosion.

Inspect for cracks or recent patchwork that might need professional attention.

What to Expect During the Official DCA Inspection

A registered design professional will perform a full evaluation of your fire escape’s structural stability and code compliance. Depending on the structure’s condition, they may require a load test to verify strength.
After inspection, the professional will issue a detailed report—either certifying the system as safe or listing specific repairs needed before final approval.

 

Industries We Serve

At EvacuSafe Solutions, we provide fire escape inspection and certification services for a wide range of properties across New Jersey. Our certified team ensures each structure meets DCA and NJ Fire Code requirements, regardless of size or complexity.

 

Talk to a DCA-Certified Inspector
fire escape stairwell on the side of a building, offering a means of evacuation and rescue in case of emergency

What Our Clients Say

Hear from clients who trust EvacuSafe Solutions for their DCA inspections and certifications.

What is a Pre-DCA fire escape inspection?

A Pre-DCA fire escape inspection is a preparatory evaluation conducted before your official Department of Community Affairs (DCA) review. It identifies structural issues, corrosion, and safety noncompliance so that corrective work can be completed ahead of time—ensuring your property passes the DCA inspection on the first attempt.

What does the Pre-DCA inspection checklist include?

EvacuSafe’s pre-inspection checklist covers structural connections, weld integrity, corrosion control, load-bearing verification, and paint condition, along with access and clearance requirements. This helps property owners confirm that every component meets NJ Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70) and DCA readiness standards before certification.

Why should I schedule a Pre-DCA inspection with EvacuSafe Solutions?

By scheduling your Pre-DCA inspection with EvacuSafe, you gain a professional assessment, photo documentation, and repair recommendations from certified specialists. This proactive step minimizes compliance risks, avoids costly delays, and ensures smooth approval during your official DCA inspection and certification process.

Be Inspection-Ready with Confidence

Don’t wait for violations to appear. Let EvacuSafe Solutions guide you through the Pre-DCA inspection process, ensuring your property meets every safety and compliance requirement before the official visit.