Fire Alarms & Security
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What is the difference between a conventional fire alarm system and an addressable fire alarm system?
An addressable system provides more detail to first responders, such as which devices may have been activated. A conventional fire alarm will alert of a potential fire within a more general area.
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Can I install hard-wired smoke alarms myself?
For the best outcome, we recommend and only allow that qualified electricians to install hard-wired smoke alarms.
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How often should I replace smoke alarms?
It is recommended that both batteries and hard-wired alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
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What is the difference between an ionization smoke alarm and a photoelectric smoke alarm?
Ionization smoke alarms pick up flaming fires more quickly while a photoelectric smoke alarm responds more rapidly to smoldering fires. For you best protection, you should use a combination of both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms in your building.
Fire Extinguishers
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How do I operate a fire extinguisher?
Keep the mnemonic PASS in mind to remind you of the steps for operating a fire extinguisher: (1) Pull the pin. (2) Aim low. (3) Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. (4) Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
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When should I use a portable fire extinguisher?
Use a fire extinguisher only on a fire that is confined to a very small area, such as a sink or wastebasket. If the fire seems to be getting larger, exit the building and call your local fire department.
Miscellaneous
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Do you service single-family residential dwellings?
At this time, we only provide fire protection and fire suppression services for multi-dwelling, commercial and industrial buildings.
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What is the NFPA?
The NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. This association is responsible for national fire protection codes and provides fire protection training and education. Learn more about the NFPA at http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/list_of_codes_and_standards.asp
Sprinkler Systems
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My fire sprinklers have never been activated. Why should I have them inspected on a regular basis?
Even though your fire sprinklers have not been activated, you should still have them inspected to determine that all the seen and unseen components are in proper working order. With the passing of time, components can degrade or flaws in a component can become apparent. Without an inspection, you would have know way of knowing if your system will be fully operational when you need it to be.
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What are the advantages of installing a fire sprinkler system?
A fire sprinkler system reduces heat, flames and smoke arising from a fire in order to increase the amount of time building occupants have to safely escape from a building and minimize damage.