Sprinkler systems in older high-rise buildings

I do not think there is a valid reason. I used to work in an old building with no sprinklers and it was scary. Also, my Dad, brother, uncle and tons of friends are firemen. It worries me all the time that they might be risking their lives to save people, when we are trying to save money. I think the elected officials spend money where people shout the loudest! Where they will be seen the most, not where the money should be sent.

I believe sprinklers should be mandatory. There is no such ordinance here in Portugal for old or new buildings. The building I live in is 21 years old and we don't have them. However, if the government passed a law saying that they were mandatory then the administrator would discuss the problem with the condo owners. Bids would be sought and the final decision for paying would be made by the condiminium fund which was set up for just such purposes. For example, the government recently passed an ordinance stating that all apartment buildings must have an emergency lighting system for the stairs. It was done with money from the fund. By the way the fund is also obligatory by law.

I agree with you. But, there aren't laws for it. And, peaple get paid off.

Wow, that is really scary. I would assume the reasoning is cost or perhaps perhaps a building built to old codes would not properly support the systems?? If that's the case I think they need to come up with a new system that will work in these buildings. It should be mandatory in my opinion for public safty!