Domino’s Pizza Helping to Spread the Word About Fire Safety

family eating pizzaIf you are a fan of Domino’s Pizza, you may have already noticed the newest addition to the company’s takeout pizza boxes – a flyer full of fire safety tips that reminds customers to check their smoke detectors’ batteries when they turn their clocks forward for daylight saving time this weekend.

The flyer was created in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association and will run throughout the month of March to help spread the word to families throughout the US.

CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS

With 38 percent of home fire deaths occurring in homes without smoke detectors and another 21 percent occurring in homes with dead or malfunctioning ones, it is extremely important to take time to check your smoke detector regularly and change its batteries when they run low. This simple check takes less than a minute of your time and could end up saving your life and the lives of the ones you love.

DOMINO’S PIZZA TEAMS UP WITH NFPA

For more than eight years, Domino’s has been teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to help prevent home fires, and this year we at Davis-Ulmer would like to add another item to your daylight savings to-do list. If you have not yet had your fire sprinkler maintenance performed this year, please take a few moments to schedule your annual sprinkler check-up.

Don’t have a sprinkler system installed in your home? Spring is the perfect time to plan an installation. To learn more about Davis-Ulmer’s services and to request a quote, visit us online or contact the location nearest you. We serve New York and the surrounding states.

Spring Ahead with Spring Maintenance

testing smoke detectorSpring is the perfect time of year to get a fresh start and take care of a few tasks around the office that you’ve been putting off, especially when it comes to fire sprinkler maintenance. If you own or manage any type of commercial property, you can take advantage of a number of preventative services offered by the team at Davis-Ulmer. There are a number of issues that may have cropped up throughout the winter, all of which we can identify and solve before they become a larger problem in your building.

ROUTINELY CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS

No matter what time of year it is, testing all of the smoke detectors throughout your building is a smart idea. This is especially true if you’ve noticed one has been beeping or you simply haven’t inspected them in a while. Testing other alarms in your building, including CO2 detectors, can also be done at the same time allowing you to check several things off the to-do list at once.

GET A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM INSPECTION DONE BY THE EXPERTS

While inspecting the sprinkler systems around your building can be done any time throughout the year, having a professional look at them in the spring is typically a smart idea. That’s because some systems are prone to freezing throughout the winter, especially if there have been several days where the temperature dropped below freezing. Inspecting your whole system in the spring allows you to check everything over for any signs of damage, allowing you to have peace of mind that if needed, they’ll be ready to handle any fire problem.

REPAIR IF POSSIBLE, REPLACE IF NOT

If any aspects of your fire sprinkler system need to be repaired or replaced, the professional team at Davis-Ulmer can take care of the job in no time. Not only do we offer inspection and testing on all systems in your building, we can also install new systems as needed.

These are just a few of the reasons that spring is a great time to have a professional ensure your building’s fire protection systems are in working order. Request a quote today from Davis-Ulmer or call the emergency service number in your area if you need immediate assistance. We are your full-service fire protection company serving New York and surrounding states.

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.

Fire Extinguishers and Sprinkler Systems Are Great Tools

19936257_S(1)Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems are great tools to have when it comes to preventing a fire, but knowing what to do in the event you find yourself trapped by flames or smoke is always a good idea. That’s why you should create a home fire drill that you practice with your entire family at least twice a year. If everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire, the odds that your entire family will make it outside increases dramatically.

When you practice your drill, one of the most important things you should keep in mind is getting out fast. It can be tempting to try to fight the fire and save your belongings, but no possession is worth losing your life over. As long as you have several working alarms around your home, you should always be alerted the instant a fire breaks out.

PRACTICE YOUR FIRE DRILLS TO HELP EVERYONE REMEMBER WHAT TO DO

Simulating the conditions of a fire is a good idea any time you practice your drill. Make sure everyone knows how to get out of any room, and have everyone practice opening all of the doors and windows throughout the property.

CHOOSE A MEETING PLACE

Once you are sure that your entire family could escape from any room in your home, you should practice the next step of the plan. Typically, this will involve reaching a meeting place outside and regrouping. Pick a spot that is easy to find, but not too close to the house. Once everyone makes it outside, under no circumstances should you reenter the building.

These are just a few tips to help you plan a fire safety drill and stay safe during an actual fire. For more news and tips regarding fire safety, keep checking back with our blog!

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is your local fire protection expert serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.  We have been designing and installing fire protection systems for businesses and homes for over 70 years.  Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.

Fire Safety This Holiday Season

16682030_SWith the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, fire safety vigilance probably isn’t on the top of your to-do list. That said, December is the biggest month of the year for electrical fires and it’s not hard to see why. We’ve put together a list of four fire safety concerns to keep in mind while decorating and celebrating this season.

THE DANGERS OF STRING LIGHTS

The biggest cause for electrical fires over the holidays is string lights. This is becoming less of an issue with the new popularity of LED lights, but is always something to be wary of. Be sure to inspect the strings carefully for frayed cords or cracked bulbs before they make their way onto awnings, mantles, and Christmas trees. And never use indoor lights outdoors or outdoor lights indoors. Check your labels.

INSPECT AND CLEAN YOUR CHIMNEY

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but a fire can be so delightful – as long as it’s managed properly. Whatever your choice of indoor heating is, make sure chimneys are cleaned and furnaces inspected before use to avoid heating-related fires.

Be particularly aware of advent and holiday candles around the house. Stockings on a mantle are a wonderful tradition, but keep an eye on how close the toes are getting to your yule logs. And check to make sure that your smoke alarms are working properly so they can keep an eye out while you’re not looking.

KITCHEN SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT

Finally, be extra cautious when dealing with kitchen sources of heat. From turkey fryers to roasting vegetables, grease fires can start suddenly. Never douse a grease fire with water – use baking soda instead.

Davis Ulmer Sprinkler Company wishes you and yours and safe and Happy Holidays! Contact us today for any of your fire prevention needs. With over 70 years in the fire protection business, we are the premier full-service fire protection company in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania area.  We would like to be your fire protection and life safety provider.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hometalk/holiday-safety-tips_b_6345768.html

Fire Inspection Checklist for Winter

Higher Fire Deaths Show Need for SprinklersWinter is here, which is actually a perfect time to inspect and update your fire prevention system. The first thing to check for is to assure that any dry pipes are properly equipped to handle freezing temperatures this season. Are all low point drains bled down? If not, start doing this weekly to prevent the pipes from freezing.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM INSPECTIONS CAN HELP SAVE LIVES

Air driers should be functioning properly. Valve closets also need to be maintained at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Also make sure that the antifreeze you’re using is appropriate for the system you’ve currently got installed. For all indoor pipes, assure the insulation is still up to scruff and heating systems are functioning. Any wall openings or gaps need to be closed up to prevent heat from getting out and cold from getting in.

Swivels need to be lubricated properly and perhaps most importantly, check your fire department connections. For more standards, be sure to check out the NFPA 25, “Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems.”

KEEP YOUR FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS HIGH

Winter is one of the harshest seasons for fire safety. We’re all cooking huge meals indoors, candles adorn every surface, heaters are on full-blast, and holiday lights are strung about the house. Just because it’s cold and wet outside doesn’t mean it’s time to let up on your fire safety standards. Constant vigilance is key.

Stay vigilant and contact Davis Ulmer Sprinkler Company today for all of your residential and professional fire safety system needs. Our experts are happy to help! We have been providing fire protection systems to customers in the New York area since 1946.  We have the knowledge and experience to provide you with a turnkey fire protection system that will help protect you and your loved ones.  Contact us today for more information.

Source: http://www.axa-matrixrc.com/documents/maintain_water_based_fire_protection_systems.pdf

Falmouth Firefighters Praise Sprinkler System

_DHI5873Over the weekend in Falmouth, firefighters rushed to the scene of a service center and took over 30 minutes to put out a fire that occupied a single room. The only reason the fire was contained to just the electrical closet was because of the sprinkler system in the center. It fired off in that room, which helped contain the fire until the firefighters could show up.

FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SAVE LIVES

It was only after the fire, during a press release that the fire chief stated that the fire would have consumed both the service center where it started and the entire fitness center next door if it had not been for the sprinkler fire suppression system that had been installed. They say the sprinkler system is what saved the lives of the people in the fitness and service center that day, and it’s often over-looked just how important they can be.

BUILDING WAS SAVED BY FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

The fire suppression system didn’t just save lives though, it also saved buildings. The fitness center had to be closed on Monday, as they repaired the electric, but otherwise it would be up and running in a few days with no problems. If that fire had continued, they would be looking at most of the facility left as charred rubble. Even the service center should have little problem with getting up and running, which means the sprinkler system saved hundreds of thousands in repairs and profits.

This is actually one of the few instances where firefighters are specifically mentioning how important the sprinkler system was to saving people and the buildings from being completely ruined. It could lead to a spike in people looking to make sure their homes and offices have the sprinklers installed. And with good reason. They may just save your life one day.

Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is the premier full-service fire protection company in the New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas.  Our NICET certified technicians will work with you to give you the fire protection you need to protect for your facility and the people inside.  Fire sprinkler systems save lives, but they also can save a lot on reconstruction costs in the event of a fire.  We have installed fire sprinkler systems in businesses since 1946.  Contact us today to get a quote for a fire sprinkler system today.  We also have a 24/7 emergency response team ready to help you in a time of need.da

Source: http://www.pressherald.com/2014/11/09/fire-in-falmouth-doused-by-firefighters-sprinkler-system/

USDA Fire Suppression

image2In today’s world, many property owners and organizations are opting for fire suppression systems, which work much better and more quickly than the traditional fire hydrant. Water sprinklers can respond to a fire emergency in seconds, but many fire suppressants can put a blaze out quickly without creating water damage in a building.

Here at Davis Ulmer Sprinkler Co Inc., many of our fire response systems use chemical suppressants and not water to put out a blaze. In recent days, we’ve noticed that these chemicals are being used more and more, most notably by government agencies responsible for keeping citizens safe from infernos raging out of control.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

This article published by KDLG.org reports that the U.S. National Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, has greatly increased its budget for fire suppression technologies. What used to represent approximately 16 percent of the National Forest Service’s budget about a decade ago has climbed to about 42 percent today.

One major reason cited for this increase in the fire suppression budget is that the National Forest Service is having to fight more fires than ever before. The agency faces a longer forest fire season now than in years past. More money has been going into fighting active blazes, including personnel and supply costs, and that has been at the detriment of maintenance, land management planning and other projects that can help the National Forest Service prevent forest fires.

Locally, there are plenty of property owners who should be looking at improving their fire safety systems. Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company offers a wide selection of fire suppression systems and services to fit residential, commercial and industrial applications. We are sure to have the perfect system for your needs.  Our NICET certified technicians will work with you to make sure all your fire protection needs are met.  We have installed fire protection systems for over 70 years.  Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company is New York’s premier fire protection company.