Tel: 630.960.5060
Your "Total" Source For Fire Safety & Security

  1. Thankful Fire Safety Facts for 2016

    November 16, 2016 by Total Fire and Safety

    Your fire risk is very different on Thanksgiving Day than it is on any other day of the year. Residential fires are a lot more common, because everyone is cooking! Here are some fire safety facts about Thanksgiving Day that you should be aware of, and some safety tips to remember so you don’t become a part of these statistics.

     

    • From 2011 to 2013, there was an estimated 2,100 cases of residential fires per year and approximately 10 deaths, 50 injuries, and $28 million in property loss, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

    Be thankful for the chance to be mindful of fire safety at Thanksgiving!

    • Most residential fires happen in single family homes, 65 percent, or multifamily homes, 28 percent. A fire could happen in your own neighborhood, or even your own home.

    Be thankful for all the working fire extinguishers  and smoke detectors in kitchens across the country!

    • The peak time for frequency of fires was from noon to 3 p.m., the time when many people are working on preparations for the big meal. This differs from normal days, when residential building fires are most likely to occur during the dinner hours of 5 p.m. –  8 p.m.

    Be thankful for properly attended stoves as we prepare the Thanksgiving meal!  

     

    • Of all Thanksgiving Day fires surveyed, 73.5 percent were limited to the object of origin; 11.6 percent limited to the room of origin; and 10 percent limited to the building of origin.

    Be thankful for knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher to stop a fire before it causes too much damage!

    • The majority of fires on Thanksgiving Day are caused by cooking, at 72 percent. Practice safe cooking by checking temperatures frequently, being extra careful with open flames and ovens, and not overcrowding the kitchen.

    Be thankful for cautious holiday cooks who observe fire safety measures!

     

    There is one last reminder that turkey lovers should keep in mind this year. Deep frying turkeys is a tradition for some Americans, but it is also a dangerous fire hazard. Watch this video to see a fiery demonstration of what can go wrong if you deep fry a turkey unsafely.

    Be thankful for deep frying with caution and care!

     

    Total Fire & Safety wishes you a happy holiday! If you are interested in a kitchen suppression system, safety inspection, or fire extinguisher training in preparation for Turkey Day, contact us at 630-960-5060.


  2. 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.