DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany and Dougherty County have been working on a safety program for the last three years. On Aug. 1, it finally launched.

The new program, called the Multifamily Inspection Program, is designed to improve the safety of residents living in apartment complexes, multifamily residential properties and quadruplexes.

The program is geared towards people who live in complexes with four or more apartments. Additionally, it’s also intended for people who own businesses to make sure they comply with ordinances and codes.

Albany Fire Department will be inspecting multifamily residences to locate fire hazards, check code compliance, and help lower the risk of any future emergencies.

During the inspection, they will also look at the space overall, including things such as cleanliness, electricity, and functionality.

“We’re hoping that this will make our community safer, the environment safer, and a place where everybody feels good about the places that they’re living,” said Albany Fire Department Assistant Chief Marcus Glass.

The fire department has a three-part philosophy: ‘Shared responsibility, shared accountability and shared success.’ Essentially, this means we’re all in this together, according to Glass.

Through partnership with the city of Albany, the fire department and the community, the Multifamily Inspection Program aims to provide a place where residents can feel proud and safe to live.

“We want the multifamily business owners, the community and the city of Albany to feel like we’re sharing in making sure our citizens have a place that they can be proud to live in,” said Glass.

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