Cheerful business owners standing with open blackboard
If you own or are opening a new business…Congratulations! Not everyone has what it takes to do what you’ve accomplished. Navigating through federal, state, and local regulations was tough but you’ve made it.
Before you have that Grand Opening though, have you ensured your fire protection needs are met? Perhaps you’re looking to get a certificate of occupancy but can’t because…surprise!…you didn’t meet safety codes. Or, perhaps you’re simply planning your budget for the year.
Either way, we want you to have the best possible start to your business so we’ve put together a short guide for some popular small businesses and what each of them can expect regarding fire protection purchases, inspection, and maintenance.
Restaurants and other Food Services
At minimum, a restaurant is required to have a kitchen hood fire suppression system(s) guarding the range and movable appliances. A note of caution: before moving appliances, such as commercial charbroilers, check with your fire protection service provider so that your system stays in compliance. Also, restaurants must have Class K portable fire extinguishers which contain a suppressive agent formulated specifically for grease fires.
While extinguishers are simple to install, a kitchen range hood installation encompasses design, installation, gas hookups, finishing work, AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) certification, and staff training. All of this is typically included in the quote your installer will provide. What may not be included is the cost of future inspections which are conducted semi-annually and required.
If your kitchen range is a workhorse, you may want to invest in Quarterly Hood Cleanings to prevent grease buildup in the hood and spray nozzles which can render a kitchen system ineffective. And, depending on your fire district codes, you may need additional equipment such as a sprinkler system and/or fire alarm system.
Automotive Repair and Body Shops
Shops specializing in automotive repair and spray painting require ABC Fire Extinguishers in every shop. Needless to say…but we’ll say it anyway…the “hotwork” done via welding and cutting should be conducted with plenty of distance between such work and flammables. Not all shops are the same size or configuration so how many extinguishers and where they’re placed will depend on your unique needs. There will be times that portable equipment gets moved to other locations within the shop, sometimes closer to flammables; so, situational awareness and, of course, the right fire suppression system are key to maintaining safety.
In the case of spray paint shops, the type and concentration of flammable chemicals call for a special type of suppression system called a paint booth system. Similar to other industrial suppression systems, this type will require semi-annual inspections and occasional maintenance.
Daycares
Since daycare facilities involve children, special care and regulation will compel you to have multiple fire safety components. In addition to fire extinguishers and kitchen hoods (if a range is present) a fire alarm and sprinkler system will add protective layers to your overall safety plan. Although this article discusses fire protection, it won’t hurt to consider access control and CCTV as part of overall safety in a childcare setting.
Healthcare / Assisted Living
Similar to daycare, facilities housing vulnerable populations such as the elderly and special needs residents will demand a variety of fire protection components to maintain safety compliance and keep property damage to a minimum.
According to a National Fire Protection Association report (https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Fires-in-Health-Care-Facilities), most fires in healthcare facilities start with cooking equipment. However, fires with the costliest impact start elsewhere in these facilities, usually due to electrical components and lighting. Even when fire sprinklers are present, their effectiveness can be diminished by inadequate coverage, inappropriate or painted sprinkler heads, and poorly maintained early warning systems such as heat and smoke detectors.
So what does all that mean for this type of business? Investment in kitchen hood fire suppression systems, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm systems should be at the forefront of your budget planning whether purchasing an existing facility or building new.
For hospitals, accreditation through HFAP or the Joint Commission will include an adequate fire protection plan.
Art Galleries and other Sensitive Environments
Setting up shop in an old turned trendy district lends itself to the art scene but while the buildings in these districts may be “grandfathered” against some fire codes they could be, in reality, a fire waiting to happen. Art Galleries and historical sites should consider clean agent systems such as FM-200 and Inergen and clean agent portable extinguishers that won’t damage works of art or sensitive materials. Naturally, this kind of specialized equipment is pricier for both installation and inspection/maintenance but well worth the investment.
On the other side of the spectrum, the last decade has seen a rise in data storage and archive centers for which the same principles of fire protection apply. Use a clean agent system that won’t damage electrical or sensitive materials and ensure access control egress (exiting) is working safely.
All Businesses
For all businesses, there are numerous things that can break a budget but fire prevention doesn’t have to be one of them. Avoid putting it on the side burner for the simple reason it’s a once, sometimes twice a year item to tick off the list because it isn’t really.
Equipment used in rough or poorly controlled environments will break down more frequently and require more extensive repair work and maintenance. Even then, there will be mandatory, additional testing.
Periodic testing of equipment integrity is necessary for fire alarms, fire extinguishers, kitchen range hoods, and industrial or clean agent suppression systems.
Fire extinguishers require 6-year maintenance and 12-year hydrotesting.
Fire Alarms receive a 2-year sensitivity test.
Sprinkler systems call for fire pump, 5-year Internal Pipe inspection, and backflow preventer testing.
Like fire extinguishers, kitchen range hoods, and industrial / clean agent systems require hydrotesting on every system tank every 12 years.
Other factors such as the physical size of your business, its location, and your insurance requirements all play parts in fire protection management too. Each of these can affect the quantity, placement, type of equipment, and frequency of inspections. Some insurers go so far as to require quarterly, monthly, even weekly inspections of sprinklers and fire extinguishers. But these inspections are less involved and often just visual inspections such as checking gauges and physical damage. Even though these “visual” inspections are more frequent they do not take the place of the annual inspection.
In between inspections, you can perform your own walk-throughs to make sure your equipment is accessible and ready to use.
Planned, timely inspections can help you stave off surprise expenses throughout the year in terms of both repair costs and AHJ fines but ultimately, the safety of your customers, yourself, and your business is paramount. In a matter of seconds, a fire can destroy all your hard work and put you out-of-business. But planning your budget with fire protection in mind and setting up a fire inspection schedule with a service provider you trust can extend a good safety net for whatever type of small business you open.
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.
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.
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 signsSix 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!
If you have ever visited a historic building, what do you notice? Old documents, precious artwork, impeccable craftmanship, and… fire protection equipment? Hopefully your answer to the latter is no. Ideally, historic properties should still maintain the look and feel of an era gone by, but how do you do it and still install and maintain fire equipment that’s up to code?
Everyday commercial buildings are damaged by fires, causing a huge loss for any business. However, these damages can be repaired, sometimes improving the building from its previous structure. This is not the case for historic properties. The true extent of the loss is more significant than the cost of simply restoring the building. Any artifacts, documents, etc. that are lost represent a priceless piece of our heritage.
For the fire safety expert, the challenge of fire protection in a historic building presents three distinctive challenges:
Preserving the Historic Character
In order to protect historic buildings, sometimes structural engineers, preservation specialists and the building managers must get involved in addition to the fire protection experts (TFS). Together they design a solution that meets the needs of NFPA compliance without ruining the historic character of a building. For example, a historic door cannot be replaced with a fire-proof door, however installing sprinklers on either side of the door may be the answer.
Fire safety is prioritized even with our most beloved historic institutions. For example, currently there is a major renovation going on at Mount Vernon, the home of our first president, George Washington. Part of this extensive construction is major improvements to the fire suppression system. When all is said and done, fire safety for Mount Vernon and its visitors will be vastly improved for generations to come.
Total Fire & Safety’s client roster includes many historic buildings, especially in the Village of Downers Grove. We are proud to be able to keep visitors safe while maintaining the distinctive character of each building.
Staying Out of Sight
Ideally, fire protection systems must sufficiently protect a building but remain aesthetically pleasing. One common cause of concern is the fire sprinkler system. Not only do fire sprinklers damage a building’s contents, but they can deface the historic structure. The answer lies in coming up with creative solutions for fire sprinklers:
1. Use copper tubing vs. black or steel pipe to blend in with the building’s architecture.
2. Faux materials can be used that resemble the buildings time period to conceal fire sprinkler pipes.
3. Install painted fire sprinkler heads to match the area.
Another form of hidden fire protection commonly used in historic buildings is wireless fire alarms. Wireless alarms are an ideal, minimally invasive solution when needing to preserve the look and feel of a building. Other advantages to wireless fire alarms include:
They eliminate false alarms, which can be costly for non-profit buildings
Updating Outdated Utilities
Many historic facilities have poor water pressure. This renders a fire sprinkler upgrade useless unless an underground line, additional line, or fire pump is installed. Total Fire & Safety can be helpful in making the right decision for any historic property.
Regardless of the fire protection systems installed, working to minimize the ignition of a fire should be a priority. Scheduling fire safety inspections annually is important to maintain a safe environment for the building and its occupants. Total Fire and Safety works not only to uphold the integrity of an historic building, but also provides the best fire protection equipment around. Give us a call today! 630-960-5060
In a commercial building, a fire sprinkler system is one of the most effective ways to control and extinguish fires. A well maintained fire sprinkler system can mean the difference between minor damage and total destruction.
A fire sprinkler system is a group of pipes and sprinkler heads located on ceilings or overhead. They slow the spread of fire or extinguish fire by releasing a spray of water. They are designed to cover as much area as possible to provide widespread coverage.
Most fire sprinklers are heat activated. When heat is detected, water is released and the fire alarm will likely be activated. Obviously, we need fire sprinklers to be as reliable as possible. So when and why do they fail?
The NFPA reports that there are an average of 660 reported sprinkler failures a year. However, with a proper working fire sprinkler 96% of the time they are effective in controlling most fires. The most common causes of sprinkler failures are:
Inappropriate design of the fire sprinkler systems
Fortunately, most of these problems can be alleviated with proper, regular inspection of your fire sprinkler system by a trained professional. The NFPA suggests different intervals per year in order to ensure effectiveness.
Monthly inspection should ensure that
Valves are accessible, labeled properly and are not leaking
Wet gauges should be in good condition with proper water pressure detected
Dry gauges should have normal water pressure with the quick opening device showing the same pressure as the dry pipe valve
Quarterly inspection should:
Check for physical damage to the supervisory alarm and water flow alarm
Dry test the system to check for valve issues
Check that all fire department connections are accessible
Check for leaks around the fire department connections
Inspect pressure reducing valves (free of leaks, open position, maintaining downstream pressure)
Annual inspection should include all of the above, plus professional inspection by a certified professional for code compliance and tagging.
Well-maintained fire sprinkler systems are paramount to your building safety and occupants. The professional at Total Fire and Safety is dedicated to keeping you safe and in code compliance. Give us a call today to schedule an inspection at 630-960-5060.
Fire prevention week was instituted in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which burned from October 8-10, 1871 and took the lives of nearly 300 people. It burned nearly 3.3 square miles of Chicago and left over 100,000 residents homeless.
Forty years after the tragic blaze, the U.S. Fire Marshall used the anniversary to promote fire prevention and fire safety. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed fire prevention week as a national observance and it has become the longest running health observance in the country.
Even though we know more now about fire prevention than ever before and we have better equipment too, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) released a shocking statistic: if you reported a fire in your home, you are more likely to die today than you were a few decades ago. Today’s home fires burn faster, allowing occupants less than two minutes to escape without harm.
Although the messages of Fire Prevention Week primarily focus on home fires, their messages can be applied at any location including businesses, warehouses, and other commercial spaces. Fire prevention week is a time to draw attention to the fire safety practices within your company using the resources provided by fire departments, the NFPA, and companies like Total Fire and Safety.
The following are some initiatives companies can take to observe Fire Prevention Week:
Send emails and provide handouts detailing fire safety
Share safety information from the NFPA with your employees, including the campaign specifics
This year, fire prevention week runs October 7-13. The theme is Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware- Fire can happen anywhere. This year’s campaign focuses on basic but essential ways to escape your home fire safely with three simple steps:
Look for places a fire could begin. Identify potential fire hazards in your workplace and remove them.
Listen for the sound of the alarm. As soon as the alarm sounds, make your way out of the building at a safe distance from the fire.
Learn two ways out of every room. Make sure all exits leading outside are free of clutter, unlocked and have emergency lights if necessary.
Fire prevention week is also commemorated at fire stations all over the area with special open houses and related programs. Here’s a roundup of some of the events in the Total Fire & Safety service area. For more information, see the website for each individual fire department.
If we can ever be of help to you during fire prevention week or any other time during the year, call Total Fire and Safety to ensure your business in in NFPA compliance with all of your commercial fire protection at 630-960-5060.
Saturday, Oct. 6
Tinley Park Fire Department: 17355 68th Court, Tinley Park, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Schaumburg Fire Department: 950 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, 11 a.m. – 2p.m.
Clarendon Hills Fire Department: 316 Park Ave., Clarendon Hills, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Minooka Fire Department: 7901 E. Minooka Road, Minooka, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hazel Crest Fire Department: 2903 W. 175th St., Hazel Crest, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bensenville Fire Protection District: 500 S. York Road, Bensenville, 12 – 3 p.m.
Belvidere Fire Department: 123 S. State St., Belvidere, 1 – 4 p.m.
Evanston Fire Department: 1817 Washington St., Evanston, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.• West Chicago Fire Department: 200 Freemont St., West Chicago, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cissna Park Fire Department: 206 N. 2nd St., Cissna Park, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lake Zurich Fire Department: 321 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mokena Fire Department: 19853 S. Wolf Road, Mokena, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Peotone Fire Protection District: 7550 W. Joliet Road, Peotone, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 8
Western Springs Fire Department: 4353 Wolf Road, Western Springs, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 10
Downers Grove Fire Department: 6701 Main St., Downers Grove, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 12
Crete Fire Department: 524 W. Exchange St., Crete, 5 – 8 p.m.
Total Fire and Safety has a dedicated team of professionals that use the best technology to test and inspect fire safety equipment in any commercial building. TFS also provides training classes to educate employees both in the classroom and on-site. Knowledge is power and the more your employees know, the better they can protect themselves. What better time to spread the word than fire prevention week! If we can help you with your fire prevention in October or anytime, give Total Fire and Safety a call at 630-960-5060.
When a ballistic missile warning sounded in Hawaii recently, few people had an emergency preparedness plan in place. Instead, people were sent into panic. Parents threw their children into sewers, people caught in traffic ran from their cars, some Googled “how to shelter from a nuclear bomb.” We can look at this now in hindsight and think we would have handled it differently. But would we? Whether it’s a ballistic missile, tornado, or a fire it is important to have an emergency preparedness plan.
When a fire occurs in the office, people are likely to react the same way. However, if employees understand what’s going on, what to do, where to go and how to get there, panic will not set in. A fire emergency preparedness plan will help employees feel in control during an emergency and do what needs to be done. .
One way to help employees respond appropriately in an emergency is to remember to REACT:
R-Remove persons from danger. Know the location of fire exits and that they are not blocked. Steer clear of elevators and equip them with warning signs: in case of fire do not use. They can trap people and must be available to firefighters. Figure out a designated meeting area for employees, safe from danger. Make a procedure in case of entrapment in the building. Assign someone to always keep a list of employees and visitors, so you can begin a roll call once in the safety area.
E-Ensure doors and windows are closed. Keep doors and windows closed to prevent spreading of the fire.
A-Activate building alarm. Make sure alarms or a warning signal are working properly and that your employees are familiar with the sound. Most importantly, have regular fire drills.
C-Call the fire department. Never investigate the fire on your own. Time is minimal for your employees to reach safety quickly.
T-Treat all fires as dangerous.
A fire preparedness plan also includes having the right equipment and in working order too. Does your place of business have everything it needs to survive a fire? And has it been inspected lately? Know that your facility is up-to-date on the systems it needs to have ready to go in case of a fire:
Don’t forget that the second part of having the right fire equipment is having employees that can operate the equipment safely. Total Fire and Safety offers training courses for employees on all our technologies and equipment. Having employees properly trained improves chances of putting out small fires.
As you can see there are many safety precautions to include in a fire preparedness plan. If your building does not have the proper safety equipment or it is not up to date, there could be catastrophic consequences. Total Fire and Safety always has the well-being of the customer in mind as we complete our inspections. We never give less than 100 precent because you can never be too prepared for a fire. Contact us at: 630.960.5060
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!
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.
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!
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