Fire Sprinkler Systems Save Businesses and Property From a Total Loss

In an Oregon apartment complex, a resident bumped into the knobs of a kitchen stove. Little did they know that they had accidentally turned on one of the stovetop heating elements.

As time passed, nearby combustibles on the stove caught fire causing a two-alarm blaze. Thankfully no one was injured and the building was saved thanks to the apartment complex’s sprinkler system.

A fire department spokesperson who talked with the local newspaper, The Oregonian, said that the sprinkler system prevented the blaze from spreading to other units in the apartment complex, saving the building and possibly lives.

This is a valuable lesson for property and business owners. A good fire suppression system can help suppress and contain a fire, reducing the risk of a total loss.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sprinkler systems are one of the most effective and reliable tools for fire protection. In an analysis of large structure fires, the NFPA found that sprinkler systems were effective 96 percent of the time.

As you can see from the graph below, your business is much better off with a sprinkler system.

It’s important to note that sprinkler systems are only effective if they work. This might seem like common sense. However, you would be amazed at how many systems falter because of improper inspections and maintenance.

The key is to hire a company that specializes in fire alarm and suppression services.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we are experts at doing monitoring, inspections, testing and maintenance for fire detection and suppression systems. We test and inspect commercial and industrial fire sprinkler systems as well as apartment buildings and private residences in California and Oregon.

We offer fast, affordable services that will meet your needs. To find out more, visit our page on Fire Detection and Suppression Services. You can also call us at 1-800-762-3196.

Required On Site Documentation of Your Fire Alarm System

Many property managers get caught with their pants down during fire alarm system inspections.

It’s all because they do not have their on-site documentation in order. This could lead to costly penalties.

If you want to be prepared, you need a document cabinet. It’s an easy way to keep your fire alarm system documentation in order. A document cabinet is a box where the fire inspector can find all past inspection and test records.

Based on fire codes, you’ll want to keep the following papers in your fire alarm document cabinet. According to FireAlrm.org you should have:

• Owner’s Manual – This should include instructions on all system equipment.

• Record Drawings – This includes installation drawings and maintenance manuals.

• Record Copy of Site Specific Software – This is for software-based systems.

• Records of Testing – Have all previous testing records in the box.

Using a document cabinet will help you keep track of these documents.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, businesses and contractors in Northern California and Oregon trust us for experience with fire alarms.

For nearly 30 years, businesses and contractors have turned to us for our fire alarm expertise. To find out how we can help you, call us at 800-762-3196.

Important Fireplace Safety Tips for Homeowners

Homeowners love fireplaces.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration more than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heating sources for their homes.

While the crackling of a warm fire can be great, there are certain risks involved with heating wood and other solid fuels in your home.

Every year …

• There are more than 25,000 chimney fires, responsible for 30 deaths and $126.1 million in property damage (Consumer Product & Safety Commission).

• Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas (U.S. Fire Administration).

• There are more than 150 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths related to heating systems and fireplaces (Chimney Safety Institute of America).

If your home has a fireplace, you need to take proper precautions to protect your home as well as your family.

Follow these important fireplace safety tips:

• Use Seasoned Hardwood – Never burn cardboard, paper or flammable liquids in your fireplace.

• Get a Chimney Inspection – Every year have a certified chimney specialist inspect your fireplace and chimney.

• Keep Front Area of Fireplace Clean – Make sure all flammable items are removed from the hearth of the fireplace.

• Keep Glass Doors Open – You’ll want to keep the glass doors open when a fire is burning.  Use your mesh screen to keep embers from jumping out of the fireplace.

• Close Glass Doors When Not in Use – This helps to keep air from the chimney opening from getting into the room.

• Keep Roof Clean – Keep your roof clear of twigs, leafs and bird nests.

• Store Firewood Away from Home – Try to keep stored firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.

• Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Change the batteries and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year.

Most importantly, never leave a fire unattended!  If a fire gets out of control, immediately contact the fire department.  Don’t try to extinguish an out-of-control fire.  Get your family out of the house and call 911.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we have worked side by side with fire departments and other emergency responders for more than 25 years.

When it comes to protecting your home, we have the experience in home security systems and fire alarms that homeowners and businesses in Northern California and Oregon count on.

To learn how to protect your home and family, give us a call today at 1-800-762-3196.

10 Ways to Prevent a Fire at Your Business

Business and office fires are more common than you may think.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there were more than 98,000 fires in non-residential buildings last year.  Many of these were offices and small businesses.

The fires caused more than $2.6 billion in properly damage.

As an example, more than 80 firefighters battled a fire at a Citrus Heights, California Strip Mall in November 2011.  The fire wiped out several stores in the strip malls, causing thousands of dollars in damage.  You can see a video of the blaze below.

If you want to prevent a fire at your business, you should follow these 10 tips.

1. Avoid Overloading Outlets – Make sure you don’t overload your electrical outlets with multi-socket plugs and lots of office equipment.  Also avoid using extensions cords.
2. Keep Space Heaters at Home – Make it a policy to keep space heaters at home.  Space heaters are a potential fire hazard, especially when left unattended.
3. No Candles – This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people bring candles into private, one-person offices and businesses.  Make sure no one has any candles.
4. Watch Paper Products – Keep your paper products and shredded paper stored away from heat sources.  If possible, store paper products near a sprinkler head in your office. 
5. Avoid Running Cables Under Carpets – Don’t run any cables under carpets in main walkways of your office.  The cables could fray and spark a fire.
6. Unplug Electrical Items in Kitchen – At the end of the day unplug electrical items such as coffee makers and toasters in your office kitchen.
7. Have a Strict No Smoking Policy – There are still people who will sneak a cigarette in the office bathroom or storage closet.  Have a strict policy that punishes people who get caught smoking.
8. Service Computers and Other Equipment – Have professionals service your computers and other equipment to ensure it’s properly working and safe to use.
9. Have Fire Extinguishers – Make sure your fire extinguishers are all properly working.  You may even want to have a few extra just in case.
10. Smoke Detectors – Every office should have several functioning smoke detectors in it.  Be sure to replace the batteries once every sixth months.

Finally, be sure to have your fire alarm system regularly checked by a professional.

At Hue & Cry Security Systems, we can help you with your fire and security needs.  We have long standing relationships with fire and law enforcement officials in Northern California and Oregon.

To learn more how we can help you, call us today at 1-800-762-3196 or visit the Hue & Cry Contact Page.

THE PITFALLS OF THE “CHEAP FIRE ALARM” ROUTE

In these difficult economic times, every business dollar spent must be justified and bring in some kind of return.  Many times the services and equipment that don’t show immediate revenue returns get pushed aside or the lowest cost option is chosen.  In regards to your fire alarm system, this action can be even more costly in the future.  

I can’t tell you how many times that property managers and building owners have made the decision to delay repairs to their fire alarm system, or opted to take a less expensive option, only to have the original issue reoccur with an even more expensive fix.  Fire alarm wiring repairs that are done by a non-C10 licensed contractor often times end up creating more issues with that renders the fire alarm system disabled.  Delaying or not replacing initiating devices (smoke & heat detectors) that are past their life expectancy can result in reduced detection capacity or numerous false alarms, which can incur costly fines from the responding fire department. Not replacing the backup batteries can cause a failure of the system to operate during a power outage, which is when many buildings are at their most vulnerable to fire. 

The best practice the building owner can take is to make the investment to have their fire alarm system tested and inspected on a regular basis, as per the national fire code.  This will insure that the system functions as designed, when needed.  It also keeps repair and maintenance costs to a minimum, and prolongs the life of the fire alarm system.  It is better to spend a few hundred dollars a year, protect your property and reduce your liability, than to have to spend thousands upgrading a system because of out-of-date devices, or in repairing a fire damaged building.

Lori Lumbattis

How Hue & Cry Saves you time and money on fire inspections

                                        Minimal Investment. Maximum Compliance. 

 

Building Reports’ innovative web-based solution guarantees timely inspections and maintenance that are fully-documented in accordance with regulatory standards. Simplify the process of costly paper-based inspections with real-time data and on-demand reports.

Inspectors use standard PDAs with Building Reports software to scan devices and upload results to a secure, web-based account. The data is compared to past inspections and statistical analysis using an online database. Unique bar-code registration ensures comprehensive inspections by monitoring inspectors’ progress in real time during the inspection, preventing missed items, and facilitating fast action on repairs. Scanned timestamps cannot be modified, and reports are ready immediately as either a dynamic web page or a downloadable document to authorized users only.

Building Reports’ Third Party Verification and Authentication ensures verifiable compliance backed by a Certificate of Authenticity. Inspection results are audited online and reviewed for certification. Instantly-retrievable documentation from a detailed database of every time-stamped, bar-coded inspection means you can deliver up-to-date, verifiable documentation on demand. Authentication is guaranteed with regular independent audits, both online and onsite. It is intelligent compliance designed by industry experts that produces accurate, verifiable results you can trust.

Building Reports’ web-based wireless technology is convenient and easy-to-use. This intuitive system uses any standard internet browser, so you can access reports from any location at any time for flexible management of multiple properties. Exceptions are clearly displayed in real time. Links to local codes and manufacturer recalls maximize your efficiency. Forms are always up to date, along with continuous and seamless technology updates. Affordable subscription packages offer a variety of hosting and branding options, from using the full resources of BuildingReports.com to integrating your existing website into a custom-branded solution. As your compliance partner, this portability and accessibility comes with industry-proven commitment to customer service.

Building Reports guarantees your information is secure. You control who has access to create, edit, or view data and reports in your account. Inspection data cannot be modified. Servers are vigorously protected with encryption and firewall technologies. Multiple data-backups daily, off-premise records archiving, and instant records retrieval further secure your investment. Now you can have confidence in the security and integrity of your compliance.

Building Reports’ comprehensive, adaptable compliance system begins with a minimal investment and delivers cost-effective, streamlined inspections and reports without labor-intensive paperwork. Industry experience, web-based wireless technology, and a variety of hosting options make Building Reports an outstanding compliance investment.

Is your fire alarm company compliant?

                                                          CALIFORNIA LAW

The State of California passed a law in 1999 making it mandatory that all persons making connections to fire alarm circuits that operate at over 100 VA be either:

                    A) Certified as a Fire/Life Safety Technician

                    B) Become an indentured apprentice   in a DAS  Approved Fire/Life Safety program

The WBFAA Fire/Life Safety Apprenticeship Program was the first Statewide Apprenticeship Program approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards in California

The WBFAA is currently developing an Online Fire/Life Safety Apprenticeship Program

                                                              CALIFORNIA LAW

Who is required to be certified?

           Anyone who performs work for a C-10 Electrical Contractor involving the installation, construction, or maintenance of fire alarm circuits exceeding 100 VA that are covered in Article 760 of the National Electrical Code.

I have a C-10 license. Do I have to be certified?

           If you’re the holder of a C-10 license and are working under that license, you don’t have to be certified. If you’re performing covered work and not working under your own license, for example, if you’re working under someone else’s C-10 license, you must be certified.