Category: Fire Prevention Systems

Holiday Season Fire Safety

During the holiday season, the risk of a house fire tremendously increases. With fireplaces blazing, candles glowing, lights twinkling, and ovens baking, the holiday season brings many fire threats along with it. It is important that you and your loved ones remain safe while enjoying all of your holiday traditions.

Oh Christmas Tree!

If you have a real Christmas tree in your home, it is very important to water your tree daily. If a tree is not watered, it can develop brittle branches and become extremely dry.  A dry tree is a major fire hazard and it’s important to keep your tree hydrated. You should also keep your tree a safe distance from your fireplace along with any candles or matches that might easily catch a flame.

Merry and Bright Holiday Lights

Holiday lights are beautiful and many families put them both inside and outside each passing year. However, both indoor and outdoor holiday lights can pose as a fire threat if they are not put up or cared for correctly. When putting holiday lights up, throw away any lights that are broken or frayed. When you go to bed or leave your home, you should turn lights off, especially indoor ones. Many outdoor lights do come with a timer which can be a great option if you aren’t home often.

Candles Burning Bright

Many people enjoy burning candles on a regular basis, and candles that smell like sugar cookies and evergreen trees tempt most people during the holiday season. If you are going to burn candles, you need to make sure that they are a safe distance away from curtains, Christmas trees, or anything else that could catch on fire. If you have little ones visiting you during the holiday season, consider using battery-operated candles for your own peace of mind.

Festive Foods

Many people do a lot of cooking during the holiday season. In the midst of wrapping gifts, cleaning the house, and decking the halls, many people walk away from their stove and leave it unattended. If you are the lucky one cooking this holiday season, the best thing you can do is stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on things. Many oven fires occur during the holiday season and most of them are due to people walking away from the kitchen.

We want you and your family to have a safe and fire-free holiday season. The best gift you can give yourself this year is a sprinkler system, Davis Ulmer can help. We are your local fire protection company and serve New York and surrounding areas.

 

Fire Companies Set Controlled Fires for National Fire Prevention Month

October is National Fire Prevention Month and many fire companies educated their local communities on fire safety throughout the month. It is great to see people making fire safety a focus in their communities and fire companies in Illinois focused specifically on sprinkler systems.

Various fire departments in Northern Illinois educated the public on fire safety and fire prevention in a unique way this October. Fire companies in Northern Illinois actually set controlled fires as demonstrations so the public could understand the benefits of fire sprinklers.

Sprinkled Rooms vs. Non-Sprinkled Rooms

The fires were set outside in two staged rooms that were totally furnished like a living room. One of the rooms had sprinklers installed and the other room did not. People were able to feel the level of heat coming from the room and how quickly it spread in the room without the fire sprinklers installed. They were able to see how quickly the room with the sprinklers controlled and cooled the fire where the other room quickly got out of control.

fire prevention month

Fire Protection Systems Save Lives

The demonstrations were made possible with the help of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the proven performance of fire sprinklers. They helped local fire companies host a variety of fire and sprinkler demonstrations throughout the month of October. They plan to assist with a total of 53 demonstrations in 2016, driving attention to the important of sprinkler systems and the roles they play in fire safety.

These demonstrations gave the local fire departments a chance to talk to the public about preventing fires, the benefits of smoke alarms, the advantages of sprinkler systems, and fire evacuation methods.

In Illinois, one hundred communities actually require fire sprinklers in new homes that are being built. Illinois has made fire safety a focus in their communities and have established the benefits of sprinkler systems in not just businesses, but homes as well.  If you’re looking to install sprinkler systems in your business or your home, contact Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection Systems, we can help. We are your full-service fire protection company and work with customers in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York.

How a Residential Fire Sprinkler System Adds Value to the Home

home fire sprinklersAre you interested in adding to the current value of your home? One of the quickest ways to do it is by installing a residential fire sprinkler system. A typical fire sprinkler system can stop a fire from spreading throughout a home in about 90 seconds and help you avoid major damage to your home. However, outside of making your home substantially safer, a fire sprinkler system will also be a very valuable feature when you go to sell your home one day, which is why you should consider installing one.

Home fire sprinklers cost on average $1.35 per square foot. This is comparable in cost to carpet upgrades, paving stone driveway or a whirlpool bath.

24/7 PROTECTION FROM FIRES

Some homeowners shy away from installing fire sprinkler systems in their homes because they believe they could ultimately do more harm than good. This could not be further from the truth. Today’s residential sprinkler systems are designed to protect homes 24/7/365 and feature a series of sprinklers strategically placed throughout homes and connected by plastic pipes that are tied into a home’s water main or a storage tank.

Sprinklers are temperature-sensitive and are set to spring into action when a part of your home reaches between 135 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and despite what you may have heard, only the sprinkler or sprinklers closest to a fire will go off, so you will not have to worry about your entire home getting wet during a fire. Furthermore, smoke, steam, and cooking vapors will not be a cause for concern, as they will not result in your fire sprinkler system turning on. Fire sprinkler heads can be recessed, have cover plates or be custom colored to fit the aesthetic of your home.

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SAVE LIVES AND PROTECT HOMES

More and more people are putting residential fire sprinkler systems into their homes to keep their families, their possessions, and their properties as safe as they can be. You can install one in your home today and get an excellent return on your investment one day when you decide to sell your home. To get more information about residential fire sprinkler systems, call Davis Ulmer at 877-691-3200 to learn about the options for your specific home.

Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection is a full-service fire protection company that works with properties all over the Northeast region of the United States.

Installing a Sprinkler System in Your Green Home

house fireFrom lower energy bills to tax rebates and cleaner air, there are many benefits to building a green home. This being said, there is one major safety concern to living in a home that uses optimum value engineering: these homes burn much more quickly than older buildings.

What is optimum value engineering?

You are probably wondering what the term optimum value engineering refers to. Often shortened to OVE, optimum value engineering is an advanced framing technique used to build a home to meet structural requirements without wasting any extra materials. While this will benefit the environment, it means that there will be less wood to hold your home together should a fire start.

Newly constructed homes vs. Older constructed homes

The lumber being used to build all new homes has risks as well. While houses used to be built out of solid wood beams, they are now being built from oriented strand board, or OSB. These boards are preventing the cutting down of many trees, but they go up in flames much more quickly. Eight times more quickly according to a test performed by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

What can you do to make your home as safe as possible?

With new and green homes being built every day, you may be wondering how we can make them safer. Davis Ulmer and Treehugger both have the same recommendation: Installing sprinkler systems. A sprinkler system can suppress a home fire before it spreads, giving your family the time you need to get out and call 911.

To learn more about our sprinkler systems and to get an installation quote, contact Davis Ulmer today. We work with homeowners in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

New Fire Sprinkler Legislation Introduced in Congress

While the word is spreading about the importance of having fire sprinklers in every build, there is still not enough being done to remedy the problem. Fortunately, we’re seeing a new push from some of the highest levels of government, including the in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. Just recently, several representatives from Maine, Delaware, New York, and other states came together to introduce H.R. 3591, otherwise known as the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act.

Overall, the FSIA is a bill that is designed to make the prospect of installing fire sprinklers more appealing to building owners. It achieves this by doing a few things, including offering tax incentives. In addition, building owners are currently required to depreciate sprinkler retrofits over an almost 40-year period. This bill would reduce that period of time to 15 years, allowing owners to take advantage of tax advantages in a far less amount of time.

While this bill was recently reintroduced, this is not the first time a version of the FSIA has been brought to members of congress. It actually originates in 2004, and was spurred by several deaths in a Rhode Island nightclub. It has been reintroduced several times because of a few issues regarding how much the bill would cost to implement, but the bill’s supporters believe those concerns have been resolved with the latest version.

Whether or not the FSIA makes it beyond the House floor remains to be seen, but we’re glad that there are members of the government at all levels working on related projects to enhance building safety.

Source: hhttps://www.firefighternation.com/

For any questions or needs in regards to fire protection, contact Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company today.  We are New York’s full-service fire protection company serving customers since 1946.

Sprinklers Putting out Landfill Fires

Throughout these blog posts, we have done our best to educate you the reader and the public as a whole on the benefits and necessity of fire sprinklers. We have discussed fire codes, how the seasons affect that need, and how buildings, large and small, absolutely need fire sprinklers nowadays. Every so often we come across a news story that puts a smile on our faces, such as the case with the a news story we came across regarding fire sprinklers and Nantucket, as reported in the Cape Cod Times.

Mary Ann Bragg writes, “A construction debris fire this morning at the town landfill was slowed by a new sprinkler system, Nantucket Fire Chief Mark McDougal said. “Having a system that activated right away saved us a lot of time and effort,” McDougal said.”

Outdoor Fire Protection

While you may not think of fire sprinklers as having an impact on outdoor fires, they absolutely do. Just look at Nantucket. In the past, the landfill has been peppered with fires, as landfills are apt to do. The difference this time around was that a fire sprinkler system was installed, which cut down suppression time by a whole lot. Usually these fires would take hours and, in some cases, even days. Needless to say, fire sprinklers save time, energy, and money – and the cherry on the top? No one was injured!

While the cause of the fire has not been determined, area residents can rest assure that no fire will get out of control. Firefighters can rest easy too; they have backup!

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is a fire sprinkler expert that installs sprinkler systems for the residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental industries.  Our NICET certified design technicians will work with you every step of the way to ensure you have the fire protection you need from the design to maintaining and servicing your system.  Contact us today to find out how we can help you get a fire sprinkler system installed whether its new construction or retrofitting an existing building.

Creating an Atmosphere of Fire Precaution

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URBAN SPRAWL HAS CHANGED LANDSCAPE

Are fire sprinklers putting out the new normal? We hope so, especially when it concerns El Paso County in Colorado, which is wildfire country – and it has been that way for hundreds of years, long before American settlers came. It is part of the culture and the lore, ingrained in the hearts and minds of the people that call the area home. There is an almost restorative power to wildfire, as some believe it gives life by transforming the landscape so trees can grow. Unfortunately, El Paso County is going through a bit of an identity crisis concerning wildfires, as reported in The Gazette.

Ryan Maye Handy writes, “Fast-forward to the 21st century and those once-healthy forests are overgrown. El Paso County is no longer sprawling ranch land, but one of the most populous regions in the state, where subdivisions have replaced rural landscapes. Nonetheless, the threat of wildfire remains. For two summers running, the Pikes Peak region had disastrous wildfires – the two most destructive in state history. The fires brought waves of change to the county, and to residents a disturbing new normal.”

WILDFIRES CAN BE VERY DESTRUCTIVE

While residents are aware of the transformative power of wildfires, they are overwhelming, especially experiencing two highly destructive ones in consecutive summers. Additionally, the landscape of El Paso County is rapidly changing, going from rural to urban-ish – strip malls replacing forests. This, of course, makes wildfires all the more dangerous; after all, there are more people. Residents have become used to the destruction; for them, it is normal.

To buck this trend of a disturbing new normal, residents must take fire precautions at every step and that means installing sprinklers in their homes. Although sprinklers will not be able to put out wildfires, they will help in the event of emergency, but more importantly perhaps is that having fire sprinklers installed demonstrates a shift in the culture of El Paso County. It creates an atmosphere of fire precaution.

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is a fire protection expert that serves the Northeast region of the United States.  We have been designing, installing, and servicing fire protection and life safety equipment since 1946.  Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.

Staying Fire Safe and Vigilant at All Times

19936257_S(1)The Fourth of July weekend has come and gone, and at Davis Ulmer, we hope you had a safe and happy weekend, hanging out with close friends and family. While it’s nice to let loose and celebrate around the holidays, it is prudent that you maintain a level of safety so no one gets hurt. We see this around holidays like the Fourth of July, people getting carried away with good times, but ignoring the possible dangers of fires. No better do we see this in hot, dry areas of the country, like areas out west.

In Yakima, WA, for instance, firefighters and fire officials did everything they can to prevent such tragedies from happening – and some of those tragedies are accidents, even naturally occurring in certain instances, but still fire officials must remain vigilant and impart restrictions. According to Yakima fire officials, “We have a number of fires in houses, roof fires, fires in shrubs, things of that nature that are totally unintentional and accidental and people don’t mean for them to happen but they do end up happening.”

SAFETY FIRST

In the end, we want you to celebrate and have a good time, but you have to be aware of conditions unique to your own neighborhood, whether it is the weather or other conditions. Remember that fires are unique too, and certain areas in the country are different from others. While planning a party or before you start celebrating, be sure to consult local fire officials if you plan to have a fire, no matter how large or small.

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is a fire safety expert that serves New York and surrounding states.  We design, install, , and service fire protection equipment and life safety equipment in the residential, commercial, and industrial industries.  We are a great source if you have questions about fire protection.  Contact us today!

Installing Fire Sprinklers in San Francisco’s Rent-Controlled Buildings

bannerOne of the biggest causes of fires is older, rent-controlled buildings. No better do we see than in the San Francisco Bay area where fires are an all too common occurrence. This has led to concerted efforts on the part of officials to change this awful trajectory and according to a Sfweekly.com article, these officials are hard at work and, in particular, Supervisors Jane Kim and David Campos.

Noah Arroyo writes, “These supervisors represent much of the territory where the fires occurred and are trying to set up a Fire Safety Task Force. Possible solutions to the rash of fires include compelling building owners to install sprinkler systems, an idea Kim broached at an April meeting of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. There, the city’s chief housing inspector guessed that about 5,000 buildings lack the kinds of sprinklers that would save lives and property.”

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SAVE LIVES

It seems that the supervisors simply want to save lives. There is clearly a problem in the Bay area that isn’t being addressed, causing great damage to lives and the local economy. If the installation of fire sprinklers would solve this dilemma, why is it taking so long. Well, building owners are saying no. They believe that installing sprinklers in older buildings will force many tenants to move on.

That seems like a foolish reason to not install fire sprinklers, but what do you think? Is it the responsibility of the building owners to install fire sprinklers in every apartment in their buildings? Or is it the responsibility of the actual tenants? Let us know in the comments below.

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is a fire protection specialist serving New York and surrounding states.  We have designed, installed, and serviced fire protection equipment since 1946.  From fire sprinkler systems to fire detection equipment, we have what you need for your fire protection.  Contact us today for more information.

What Is the Bringing Safety Home Grant Program?

banner3At Davis Ulmer, we take fire education very seriously and believe that everyone, old and young alike, need to know the ins and outs of fire safety and prevention. Thankfully, the National Fire Protection Association agrees with us. Back in June, they announced it had awarded grants to 16 organizations to fund sprinkler advocacy efforts across North America.

According to this Fire Engineering article, “The Bringing Safety Home Grant Program will assist the grant recipients, including U.S. state sprinkler coalitions and other North American safety advocates, by supporting activities that showcase the importance of requiring home fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes.”

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS REDUCE DEATHS BY 80%

Nowadays it seems like there’s no time for hardly anything, let alone thinking about the fire sprinkler situation in your home, building, or business. There are multiple jobs to do, bills to pay, and other things. Sometimes you need a little nudge, for someone or a group to educate you on the importance of fire sprinklers. Armed with these grants, the recipients are poised to do great and socially beneficial work.

Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, sums it up best: “Sprinklers are gaining momentum as more residents and policy-makers understand the value of them in new homes. Home fire sprinklers can reduce home fire deaths by about 80 percent and direct property damage by about 70 percent.”

The term life or death gets thrown around all the time now it seems, but when it comes to fire sprinklers, that term is 100% true, so buff up on your education and spread the gospel according to fire sprinklers!

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is your local fire protection company in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.  We have been designing, installing, and servicing fire sprinkler systems for over 70 years.  Our 24/7 emergency response team is ready to go in your time of need.  Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.