Total Fire & Safety Blog

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.