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October 6, 2021 by cgerbitz
Do you know the “Sounds of Fire Safety?” The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) celebrates Fire Prevention Week every October. This year, everyone in fire protection is focusing on sounds, whether from smoke detectors or full on emergency sirens, alerting you to fire hazards. Sound awareness is extremely important for visually impaired and blind individuals.
TFS’ parent company Marmic Fire & Safety® released a video interview with members of the Joplin (Missouri) Association for the Blind, a non-profit organization offering assistance to low vision and blind members of Southwest Missouri communities. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to lose your sight during an emergency? Jim Murray and Jim Smith of JAB offer their experiences in both fire and non-fire situations.
Watch and listen to interviews in Marmic’s video now! https://marmicfire.com/blog/fire-prevention-week-sounds-of-fire-safety-protect-the-blind
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Safety, Marmic, Uncategorized Tags: fire escape plan, fire safety for disabled, fire safety for the blind, using sound in emergency evacuations, wireless fire alarms | Comments Off on #FirePreventionWeek October 3-9
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January 27, 2020 by Total Fire and Safety
How important is the fire code for animal shelters? Deadly fires at kennels and animal shelters are not uncommon across the U.S. In the past year, over 100 dogs have died in kennel fires, including here near Chicago.
On the night of January 14, 2019, a West Chicago animal kennel went up in flames. Thirty-one dogs perished in the fire. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but investigators determined no staff was present at the time and no working fire sprinklers were on property. The kennel did have fire detectors, but no one was around to hear them.
The tragedy prompted lawmakers to come up with legislation to ensure such an event never happens again. The new law, signed in August, went into effect January 1. The legislation requires kennels to be staffed 24/7 or have sprinkler systems or alarms that alert local fire departments.
When it comes to arming animal shelters with lifesaving equipment, Total Fire and Safety can help with the installation of …..
Wireless Fire Alarms
- Preferred by fire departments, they are more reliable than land-based systems for their quick and accurate response.
- They can save phone line costs.
- They reduce false alarms to fire departments
- Minimal and guaranteed wireless radio alarm monitoring fees
Fire Sprinkler Systems
- A working fire sprinkler is 96% effective in containing a fire.
- Monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections are necessary to ensure safety and keep your building fire code compliant.
- TFS uses the most up-to-date technology and thorough process to prevent sprinkler failure.
Working fire extinguishers can keep a small fire from getting out of control when someone is in the facility. Every business needs working fire extinguishers at the ready, and be trained to use them.
- A fire extinguisher is your first line of defense, 24/7.
- 30% of fire extinguishers are not in working order. We complete a 12-point inspection to make sure they are fire ready.
- On-site training is provided to guarantee proper employee usage.
All it takes is basic fire protection to save animal and human lives.
Illinois’ new fire code will help protect our furry friends from another senseless tragedy and prevent irreparable damage to lives, structures, and pocketbooks. Total Fire and Safety can equip your facility with the latest fire protection and help maintain the equipment installed. Give us a call today at (630) 960-5060.
Category: Business Safety, Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Extinguishers, Fire News, Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Total Fire and Safety Tags: commercial fire safety, commercialfiresprinkler, employee training, fire and safety equipment, fire and safety solutions, fire safety in the news, Firesprinkler, Total Fire and Safety, wireless fire alarm monitoring, wireless fire alarms, wireless fire alarms for business | Comments Off on A New Fire Code for Animal Shelters in Illinois!
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December 23, 2019 by Total Fire and Safety
We wish you the warmth and cheer of the season!
Thank you for your continued support throughout the year.
From all of us at Total Fire & Safety
Twelve Days of Fire Safety
On the first day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
A safe and code compliant facility!
On the second day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the third day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the fourth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me..
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the fifth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the sixth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the seventh day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Seven exit signs Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the eight day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Eight backflow inspections
Seven exit signs
Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the ninth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Nine sprinkler systems
Eight backflow inspections
Seven exit signs
Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the tenth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Ten safety trainings
Nine sprinkler systems
Eight backflow inspections
Seven exit signs
Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the eleventh day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Eleven fire pumps serviced
Ten safety trainings
Nine sprinkler systems
Eight backflow inspections
Seven exit signs
Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the twelfth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me…
Twelve new extinguishers
Eleven fire pumps serviced
Ten safety trainings
Nine sprinkler systems
Eight backflow inspections
Seven exit signs
Six extinguishers inspected
FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS
Four first aid kits
Three eyewash stations
Two emergency plans
and a safe and code compliant facility!
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Equipment Inspections, Fire exits, Fire Extinguishers, Fire News, Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Total Fire and Safety, Uncategorized Tags: commercial fire safety, fire and safety equipment, fire and safety solutions, Fire Extinguisher, fire safety, Total Fire & Safety, wireless fire alarms | Comments Off on Happy Holidays from Total Fire & Safety
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May 20, 2019 by Total Fire and Safety
(Photo credit: Dreamstime ID 95654936 © Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com)
With the rise in popularity and construction of senior living centers, fire safety continues to be a concern to keep our grandparents, parents, and aging loved ones protected. According to the United States Fire Administration, in 2015, older adults represented 15 percent of the U.S. population and suffered 40 percent of all fire related deaths. They are also 2.7 times greater risk of dying in a fire than the total population. Those 85 and older were 3.8 times more likely to die in a fire than the total population.
The elderly in multi-level dwellings are at higher risk of dying in a fire for several reasons. They may be on medication that impairs them from taking stairs down to safety, or their mobility issues may prevent them from moving quickly enough. They may live alone or have no one to call for assistance. Educating property managers, caretakers, and the elderly on fire safety for senior citizens is one step we can take in protecting this aging generation. Below are some considerations for property managers and their tenants.
1. Test Smoke Alarms
Smoke is a silent killer. Senior citizens with hearing problems who sleep without a hearing aid could be killed in their sleep. Having a working smoke alarm in every room and hallway helps, but they should be effective for the user. Strobe alarms are best, and seniors can install alarms that shake their bed to rouse them in the event of a fire. Most importantly of all, make sure to test smoke alarms every month so they are always in compliance.
2. Sit Your Butt Down…in the proper place!
Smoking is the number one cause of fire deaths in the country. Remind senior citizens never to smoke in bed and especially not near flammable oxygen tanks. Seniors can use deeper or heavier ashtrays to avoid ashes flipping or falling onto the rug and starting a fire. The best way to put butts out is with sand and water.
3. Create a Fire Escape Plan
Seniors may have less than three minutes to escape danger in the event of a fire. They should have a fire escape plan and practice it, knowing all the accessible exits. For seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s who have escape proof doors, it is important they have a prearranged escort in the event of a fire.
4. Stay in the Kitchen
Seniors should always stay in the kitchen when cooking. Most kitchen fires begin because food is left unattended, so if they must leave the kitchen while cooking they should turn the burner off. Even a short absence from the kitchen can unexpectedly turn into an extended amount of time away. If seniors must leave the kitchen, they should take a cooking utensil or potholder with them to serve a helpful reminder. Also, remind seniors to never cook with loose or dangling sleeves that can easily ignite and burn a senior, or potentially start a major fire.
5. Daily Necessities
Seniors should think about what they use to get around every day, like glasses, a wheelchair, a cane, etc. These items should be placed next to the bed for easy access in case of fire. A phone and a whistle should also be at bedside. The whistle lets people know where you are and enables you to warn others of the fire. Escape is always the priority; call the fire department later. If trapped, use the phone to call for help. Seniors with wheelchairs or walkers should check exit routes ahead of time to be sure they are accessible or plan an alternate route. Inform building managers or neighbors of the plan. If your impairment makes it impossible to escape in the event of a fire, discuss your concern with landlord, or check with the fire department.
6. Don’t Overload Outlets or Extension Cords
Inspect your extension cords regularly for fraying, exposed wire, or loose plugs. Unplug extension cords when not in use. If you need to plug in multiple appliances, use an extension cord approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
As their population begins to grow, fire safety for senior citizens cannot be stressed enough. Property managers, caretakers, the elderly, and their families should all be aware of the increased risk to the age group and try to protect them. The professionals at Total Fire and Safety are ready to help ensure your building has fire equipment that is working properly. We provide the life safety features that keep fire safety for your residents, including senior citizens, a main priority. Give us a call today! 630-960-5060
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire exits, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Safety, Total Fire and Safety, Uncategorized Tags: fire and safety solutions, Fire Extinguisher, fire safety, fire safety solution, fire safety training, fire training, first aid, lifesafety, Total Fire and Safety, wireless fire alarm monitoring | Comments Off on Fire Safety for Senior Citizens
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December 4, 2018 by Total Fire and Safety
A brand new year is a great time for businesses to evaluate what they can improve upon, even in terms of their commercial fire safety. No business is completely immune to accidental fires and having the right equipment in place year round can prevent potential devastation.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 3,300 fires break out in office buildings across the U.S each year. The NFPA reports that a number of people are killed or injured with an estimated $112 million in property damage.
If you’re a business set on achieving your 2019 goal of reaching NFPA compliance, take a look at checklist of equipment you need below for commercial fire safety. Anything missing? Call Total Fire & Safety. We can help!
____ Alarms
____ Extinguishers and Suppression Systems
- Conduct tests regularly to ensure function and pressure when activated.
- Schedule routine maintenance of equipment.
- Store extinguishers in open areas for easy access.
____ Emergency Lighting
- Effective emergency lighting throughout the building will help occupants to safety in an emergency.
- Schedule regular maintenance and inspections.
Equipment is essential and necessary to prevent major damage but people are too! Whether it’s putting out a fire or tending to the injured, what good is the equipment if you don’t have employees able to use it?
____ First Aid
____ Training Courses
- A comprehensive fire equipment training course on the use of fire equipment and first aid can place confidence in employees and keep everyone safe.
- Training employees reduces the chance of small fires starting and spreading.
You could have all the equipment ready and employees trained to use it but they need something else.
____ Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Remind employees to REACT-(remove from danger, ensure doors/windows are closed, activate alarm, call 911, treat as dangerous.)
- Conduct fire drills.
- Schedule inspections of all fire equipment.
- Have employees trained on firefighting equipment.
Making sure you have commercial fire safety in place can seem a daunting task but the pros at Total Fire and Safety are here to simplify it. TFS covers everything including inspection, maintenance, training, and keeping your building up to code so you are well protected in the event of an unforeseen fire. Give us a call today at 630-960-5060.
Category: Business Safety, Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Equipment Inspections, Fire exits, Fire Extinguishers Tags: commercial fire protection, commercial fire safety, commercial first aid kit, emergency exit lights, emergency lighting, fire and safety solutions, Fire Extinguisher, fire safety, fire safety training, fireextinguisher, firesafetytraining, firesprinklerinspections, first aid | Comments Off on The Business Owner’s Checklist for Commercial Fire Safety in 2019
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December 14, 2016 by Total Fire and Safety
 On December 2 in Oakland California, a deadly fire took 36 lives in a warehouse facility turned artist residence known as the Ghost Ship Artist Collective. It took four days for local firefighters to recover the scene. An absolute contributing factor? The lack of a sprinkler and fire alarm systems, blocked and inadequate fire exits and a lack of working fire extinguishers.
In fact, the few extinguishers found among the bodies were inoperable. Officials say it is the highest number of fatalities in a structure fire in the U.S. in the last 13 years.
The tragedy shed negative light on the building owner, who refused to comply with fire codes and the state of the Oakland housing market, where people endured living in dangerous conditions since there was no other affordable alternative in the area. The city is also under scrutiny since the building had not been inspected for 30 years, and rightly should have been closed down.
But for those of us in fire safety, like Total Fire, the tragedy is a demonstration of the importance of our work, and how what we do saves lives.
The Looming Disaster
The Ghost Ship had been home to numerous fire hazards for some time and was no stranger to the authorities. The facility had been reported for tall weeds, mounds of garbage on the grounds, and illegal conduct of the community within, even though the space was not meant for residential use. The cause of the fire is still under investigation but at first, an old refrigerator was thought to be the cause.
The interior of the building was a chaotic mixture of improper electrical wiring and makeshift staircases, stacks of wood, furniture and other junk scattered around and wooden structures in progress. The fire started on the first floor, and people trying to evacuate had to weave through the inside clutter and climb a rickety, tight staircase to get out. People on the second floor were trapped by smoke and flames.
Many of the bodies were found as they were in their last moments–holding and hugging each other in fear.
At Total Fire & Safety, we truly believe we do something more than just come to work, collect a pay check and go home. We play an important role in keeping our community safe!
Steven Holowka, our fire alarm division manager, puts it this way: “I tell my team to take the mindset that every building we take care of has someone you love in there. Would you want your loved ones being in a building that wasn’t properly taken care of? Would you feel okay if you one of your loved ones died in a building that wasn’t properly maintained?”
In the case of the Oakland tragedy, an inspection attempt was made as recently as last month when a code enforcement officer responded to complaints about piles of garbage. No one came to the door and the Oakland inspectors are not allowed to gain access to a building without permission.
The blaze started during a rave dance party, and the facility was not equipped or zoned for such a gathering. NFPA reminds us that in the case of nightclubs, theaters and auditoriums where large numbers of people gather, fires are the most deadly when the proper features and systems are not in place.
For theaters, night clubs, venues, etc. NFPA codes call for a considerable number of safety systems and features to be present for these structures, not just a single safety system or feature.
Saving Lives, a System at a Time
When building owners take shortcuts in service, look for the cheapest option or have the mindset that a fire like this could never happen to them, the consequences can be dire. That’s why we make sure we are doing our part in taking care of our customers and ensure that the systems they have onsite are adequate for their needs.
Our entire team, including our administrative employees, field technicians, managers and even our owner believes that it is our responsibility to do our job 100% because in the end we are protecting what matters most–people’s lives.
When we arrive at a facility we..
- TEST and INSPECT to make sure everything is in working order
- PROVIDE REPAIR/INSTALL SERVICE so everything is done correctly and ready to activate in an emergency
- and VERIFY that everything is up to code for the customer.
The fire at the Ghost Ship will rank among the Rhode Island Nightclub fire of 2003 and the Queen of Angels fire from 1958 as tragedies that could have been prevented or lessened considerably had the right life safety systems been in place.
As fire safety systems continue to improve, Jim Pauley of the NFPA warns that “we can’t be complacent just because numbers have gotten better.” It’s important that everyone responsible for the safety of those inside a facility have it properly inspected with well maintained and fully operational fire safety systems in place. Do you?
If you are unsure of whether your building is up to code, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Total Fire & Safety. We take our jobs seriously because we know what we do saves lives!
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire code violation, Fire exits, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Extinguishers, Fire News, Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Total Fire and Safety, Uncategorized Tags: fire and safety equipment, Fire Extinguisher, fire news, fire safety in the news, firesprinklerinspections, Ghost ship fire, importance of fire safety | Comments Off on The Ghost Ship Fire: 36 Lives Lost From Lack of Fire Safety Systems
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October 24, 2016 by Total Fire and Safety
 National Fire Prevention Week has been a yearly campaign since 1922, occurring on the Sunday through Saturday period that includes the date October 9. It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire on October 8-9, 1871. This infamous tragedy claimed 250 lives, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and left 100,000 people homeless. Fire prevention week is a day to remember this event and also what kind of effect a fire could potentially have on our lives.
No matter what kind of business you own or manage, October is also the perfect time to remember how devastating fire can be, and how important it is to be ready for an emergency. A fire can cause serious damage to your company’s facility and equipment, not to mention employees! This is as good a month as any to make sure you have these five ‘checks’ taken care of within the boundaries of your office and/or facilities.
1. Are your fire hazard risks assessed properly? Some businesses have greater fire risks than others, but there are very few businesses that have none. They all need to be properly assessed so the proper prevention can be implemented accordingly. Some local governments offer fire marshal visits, or workplace fire risk assessment guidance from your building’s property manager. A commercial fire safety firm can also help you mitigate problems.
2. Do you have emergency plans in place? Do you have an evacuation plan and do your employees know what to do in case of a fire? Do they fire training, so that they know how to use fire extinguishers, and when to use them?
3. Do you have the right fire protection equipment installed? Your fire safety equipment needs likely include sprinkler systems, but you might need more to be up to code or compliant with regulations. Industries dealing with machinery that overheats or flammable substances might need a suppression system tailored to your business.
4. Do you have scheduled routine equipment inspections? Even if you have the right sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and suppression systems, they also need routine inspections (at least annually) to keep everything in working order. Know what tests you can do yourself, and which require professional visits from fire alarm technicians.
Even though Fire Prevention Week is over, it’s not too late to think about your fire prevention and safety. Perhaps now is the time to take action. Contact us or call 1.630.960.5060 for more information on any of the fire steps detailed above, from alarm installation to employee training programs.
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Extinguishers, Fire News, Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Total Fire and Safety Tags: commercial fire prevention, fire extinguisher regulations, fire prevention, fire prevention for businesses, fire prevention week, fire week, national fire prevention week | Comments Off on How Is Your Company’s Fire Prevention? Four Questions for Business Owners!
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September 20, 2016 by Total Fire and Safety
Since they don’t wear a cape or colorful tights, to the untrained eye the fire alarm technician is just the guy who comes in to check the safety of your fire equipment. But in reality, the fire alarm technicians at Total Fire & Safety are specialized employees who actually end up saving lives by making sure your equipment functions properly in an emergency situation at your commercial building!
Yet these humble heroes walking among us in a simple Total Fire & Safety uniforms often go unappreciated because people don’t understand the special powers they possess and bring into play on a daily basis. For example, all Total Fire & Safety fire alarm technicians…
1. Battle the forces of evil at a moment’s notice! When the call comes, the fire alarm technicians jump in their “Total Firemobile” and rush bravely in to battle the villain, whether it’s a malfunctioning backflow problem or a damaged sprinkler system. They soundly thwart the forces of equipment failure by repairing and replacing the critical systems, always emerging victorious. While Chicagoland sleeps, the Total Fire & Safety technician is on the job, throughout greater Chicagoland, lndiana and lower Wisconsin. 
2. Excel at searching out the right clues to every puzzle. The crafty fire alarm technician can decode the secret language and uncover the valuable clues in blueprints, diagrams, specifications, schematics and operational/product manuals to find the information that saves the day and restores equipment to its proper functionality. It’s all in a day’s work for the fire alarm technician!
3. Protect their customers and save the day. The Total Fire & Safety fire alarm technician deals directly with our customers, listening to their needs and providing the best, safest solutions for their situation. With professionalism and skill, they communicate with headquarters to make sure all is well for their customer, humbly accepting a mere humble thanks for their efforts.
4. Go wherever the wind takes them…even overnight. The life of a fire alarm technician is filled with adventure on the road, going where they are called and serving willingly. Total Fire & Safety fire alarm technicians are flexible enough to travel overnight in order to perform inspections and repairs for clients that are not so close by. That’s what all heroes do!
Bravery, trustworthiness and competence are all marks of the highly trained fire alarm technicans at Total Fire & Safety. Do you have what it takes? We are always looking for skilled individuals to join our force of heroes. Those who qualify can apply at apply at Total Fire & Safety for a distinguished career as well as competitive compensation and benefits such as health and dental and a position in a growing company with room for advancement. Contact Total Fire & Safety today about opportunities and learn how being an everyday hero with us can lead to exciting opportunities to do good in the world!
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Suppression system, Total Fire and Safety Tags: fire alarm, fire alarm for business, fire alarm tech jobs, fire alarm technician, fire alarm technician jobs, fire safety, fire safety careers, fire safety jobs, technician jobs, Total Fire & Safety, total fire & safety jobs, Total Fire and Safety, total fire and safety jobs | Comments Off on The Fire Alarm Technician: Not All Superheroes Wear Capes!
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December 21, 2015 by Total Fire and Safety
 Photo from Daily Herald Business Ledger/Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com Business owners everywhere know they have to keep their fire protection systems up to code, but what happens when they don’t?
In March 2014, a fire broke out in a foundry building located in Batavia, IL, caused by a careless employee. The fire happened when no one was working in the building, so no employees were hurt. However, the fire caused considerable damage to the foundry as well as the next-door business, Dewell & Dewell, which shares a wall with the foundry. Later, an investigation revealed that the reason the fire caused nearly $500K in damages was that the former tenant, Master Cast Inc., did not maintain a proper fire alarm and fire suppression system.
Now, Master Cast Inc. is being taken to court in a suit alleging the company did not have proper fire alarms and commercial sprinkler systems. The building owner is seeking $450K in damages from Master Cast Inc., and Dewell & Dewell is seeking more than $50K. The lawsuit will come to court this February.
This event is only one of the many cases every year in which a lack of properly installed fire safety equipment leads to extensive damage from fires. If your business isn’t up-to-code on all of your sprinklers, suppression systems and alarms, your business could face disastrous consequences.
This fire also addresses an issue that businesses don’t always prepare for– employee fire safety training. According to the Kane County lawsuit, the fire started when an employee used a grinder near cardboard boxes. An employee who has been trained well would have avoided the fire hazard, and possibly even fight the fire, using an extinguisher the right way.
The best way to avoid situations like this is to ensure that you have regularly scheduled fire equipment inspections. A professional service like Total Fire & Safety can keep your place of business up-to-code and inspected on a regular basis. For information on the many services available to prevent this kind of situation for your business, contact Total Fire & Safety.
Read the latest in the court investigation here:
http://dhbusinessledger.com/Content/Suburban-Trends-and-Issues/Suburban-Trends-and-Issues/Article/Lawsuit-Batavia-foundry-had-no-sprinklers-fire-caused-by-negligent-worker/87/172/17397
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire News, Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Suppression system Tags: commercial fire protection, commercial fire safety, fire and safety solutions, fire safety in the news, firesprinklerinspections | Comments Off on Foundry Fire Demonstrates Importance of Proper Commercial Fire Protection
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December 10, 2014 by Total Fire and Safety
 Your facility’s commercial sprinkler system lies dormant until their operation is critical during a life-threatening emergency. If they fail at that certain time, lives can be lost. Regular fire sprinkler inspection can ensure peak performance when the situation heats up!
Sprinkler systems respond to heat, not smoke, and are carefully designed to activate early but only in real fire, not non-fire situations. Sprinklers release much less water than a fire department would, however by the time the fire department arrives, more water is needed to extinguish the fire.
One of our services at Total Fire & Safety is to perform regular, on-site sprinkler inspections to help our clients comply with NFPA 25. NFPA 25 is our guideline for inspection, testing, and maintenance of sprinkler systems (water-based fire protection systems) to avoid failure and ensure fast, effective response in a fire emergency.
Sprinklers are very effective; however, a recently published report by John Hall, Jr. entitled “U.S. Experience with Sprinklers” revealed that in reported structure fires from 2007-2011, sprinklers operated 91% of the time in structures large enough to activate sprinklers. Their effectiveness rate was 96%, which is good, but not perfect. Why would a sprinkler system fail in an emergency?
The National Fire Prevention Research Foundation (NFRP) prepared a report that they recently presented at a workshop in Chicago. Their findings on the major reasons for sprinkler system failure were:
64% Shutoff of the system before fire began. This may occur in the course of routine inspection or maintenance and is easy to monitor for safety.
17% Lack of maintenance. If a sprinkler system is not maintained, chances are it will not operate correctly in an emergency.
6% Manual intervention that defeated the system. Sometimes we are to blame for turning off or damaging the system during its deployment.
6% Inappropriate system for the type of fire. A competent fire protection company like Total Fire & Safety can help you determine the right sprinkler system for the job, whether it be wet pipe or dry pipe systems.
7% Component damage. Proper inspection and maintenance can ensure that the fire protection equipment is in proper working order.
As you can see, your sprinkler system must be well maintained and ready to deploy at all times in case of a fire. When is the last time you had your sprinkler system inspected? Call Total Fire & Safety today to see if maintenance or an upgrade is needed at 630-960-5060.
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Sprinkler Systems, Uncategorized Tags: fire and safety equipment, Firesprinkler, firesprinklerinspections, lifesafety, sprinkler, sprinklerinspections | Comments Off on Commercial Sprinkler Systems: Why Fire Sprinkler Inspection is Important
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