Seismic strengthening of buildings is not the only safety issue in public buildings

In last week’s Sunday Star Times there was an article quoting John Church regarding tenants suddenly getting conscious of

Seismic state of the public buildings they occupy.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5678664/Landlords-get-a-seismic-shakeup

While the Canterbury earthquakes surely have put this topic front and centre I wonder of tenants have been mussing the obvious safety issues in these buildings?

Do they ask ‘”does this building have a Building Warrant of Fitness, before I lease it?”

Do they get in the lift to go to their floor praying that it is safe to do so?

Do they take tap water to fill their water bottles and ask is this safe to drink?

Do they turn their heads up to the ceiling and ask themselves does this fire alarm or sprinkler work if needed?

Well they should.

A building warrant of fitness is supposed to give us (the public and tenants and their staff) comfort that these life safety features are being maintained and are in good working order. But who knows to ask the question?