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  1. Halloween Safety Tips for Residential Buildings

    October 24, 2014 by Total Fire and Safety

    Halloween is upon us, and although we don’t light jack o’lanterns or don flammable costumes in our offices, it’s important for owners of residential buildings to be somewhat prepared for this fire prone holiday.

     

    According to the National Fire Protection Association, decorations start more than 1,000 home fires per year. From 2006-2010, these fires caused an estimated average of six civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries, and $16 million in direct property damage per year.  For owners of residential buildings and their tenants, there are many good tips on Halloween fire prevention available from NFPA’s Halloween Safety Tip Sheet.  It’s information worth passing on to your residents so they stay safe this holiday.

     

    What can owners of residential buildings do to prepare for Halloween?

     

    Fire Alarms in Residential Buildings

    Make sure your fire alarms, including your wireless fire alarm monitoring systems, are in working order and in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, which provides the latest safety provisions to meet society’s changing fire detection, signaling, and emergency communications demands.

     

    Fire Extinguishers in Residential Buildings

    When is the last time you had your fire extinguishers inspected?  NFPA 10 states that all portable fire extinguishers should be inspected on a monthly basis and maintained by a licensed fire protection company on an annual basis. Total Fire & Safety performs a multi-point check on all portable fire extinguishers:

     

    *Visual Examination for dents, rust, corrosion, pitting or other shell damage

    *Test/Maintenance History to determine the need for internal maintenance or hydrostatic testing

    *Pressure Gauge check to insure proper pressurization

    *Weight check to verify the correct amount of extinguishing agent

    *Discharge Hose inspected for blockage or damage

    *Locking Pin inspected so it can be easily deployed in an emergency

    *Handle/Lever checked for smooth discharge operation

    *Cleaning using a degreasing solution

    *Inspection Certification documented by attaching a safety flag and service tag

    *Mounting Bracket checked for proper installation on mounting hook or bracket

    *Hazard Application reviewed so the fire extinguisher is the correct type for potential fire hazards

     

    Residential Sprinkler Systems

    In the event of a fire, the sprinkler systems are critical. Make sure they are recently inspected and ready to go in compliance with NFPA 25-2002. Total Fire & Safety does a comprehensive check of residential sprinkler systems, including inspection of functionality, control valves, and electric alarm operation.

     

    If you own a residential building, be sure your fire safety is up to standard this Halloween. If you need assistance, feel free to call Total Fire & Safety at 630.960.5060.


  2. Fire Sprinkler System Inspections

    May 8, 2013 by Total Fire and Safety

    Properly installed and maintained automatic fire sprinkler systems help save lives. Because fire sprinkler systems react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames and smoke produced in a fire.

    Superior field service is a fundamental strength of Total Fire & Safety and has made us the preferred service provider for thousands of customers. We offer the full range of scheduled fire sprinkler inspections and maintenance services, as well as 24-hour/365-day emergency service.

    We service sprinkler systems in commercial structures. We also test fire hoses. Our technicians are highly trained and state certified. Our service trucks carry everything needed to get the job done right. Various parts of fire sprinkler systems must be tested at different intervals per NFPA 25.

    Below are some of the items tested during an inspection:

    • Are systems functional upon arrival?
    • Are gauges good and reading correctly?
    • Are main control valves open?
    • Do control valves operate through full range?
    • Valves are lubricated as needed.
    • Are there extra sprinkler heads in cabinet?
    • Is the building heated in wet sprinkler area?
    • Are the water motor and gong functional?
    • Is the electric alarm test satisfactory?
    • Are the alarm devices functional & free of damage?
    • Is stock and storage 18″ below the sprinklers?
    • Alarm time delayed in seconds?
    • More testing depending on system type