About the founder
Fire Safety Handbook was founded by Matthew Merkley, a professional firefighter and fire-safety plan writer with more than 20 years of fire-service experience. His work focuses on making fire-safety responsibilities understandable and usable by building owners, property managers, restaurant operators and the staff who carry out routine checks.
Why these resources exist
Building and restaurant fire safety cannot be managed by a binder that nobody reads. Useful guidance must help people understand their responsibilities, notice visible problems, keep records organized and know when trained and authorized service is needed. The handbooks are designed as practical working references, not replacements for professional service or site-specific procedures.
How the guidance is written
- Start with operational questions that owners and managers actually face.
- Separate routine observation and reporting from technical inspection, testing, adjustment and repair.
- Keep directions jurisdiction-neutral and point readers back to local adopted requirements and the authority having jurisdiction.
- Provide checklists and examples that help teams document work and verify corrective action.
- Review and update materials when processes, products or relevant requirements change.
Resources for two different environments
The Residential Apartment Building Fire Safety Handbook covers day-to-day building fire-safety responsibilities. The Restaurant Fire Safety Handbook covers commercial cooking hazards and restaurant operations. Both are supported by free practical guidance and checklists.