Tag: Holiday Safety

Fire Extinguishers: Holiday Safety Tips and Inspection Information

While festive gatherings are a time for joy, they can also increase fire hazards in homes and workplaces. December is the perfect opportunity to discuss the critical role fire extinguishers play in fire safety and why regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.

Empowering Everyday Heroes: The Importance of Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are more than just safety equipment; they make everyone a potential hero. Unlike smoke alarms and sprinkler systems, which activate automatically, extinguishers are tools anyone can use in an emergency. Having the knowledge and confidence to operate a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between extinguishing a small fire or a minor incident escalating into a tragedy.

Annual Extinguisher Inspections Are Lifesaving

Annual inspections are not bureaucratic red tape; they are a vital part of building safety. Local jurisdictions require these annual inspections to be documented by a qualified fire extinguisher technician to ensure all safety equipment is functional. The annual inspections are required along with the monthly inspections. Monthly inspections being performed onsite require a lesser level of experience – anyone trained to recognize obvious extinguisher damage, missing parts, or problems can help.
If you don’t inspect your fire extinguishers, they may not perform when needed. Unfortunately, we often forget or ignore fire extinguishers until they are desperately needed. Regular checks are essential to ensure reliability. During inspections, technicians frequently find extinguishers hidden behind desks or seasonal decorations, making them difficult to access in an emergency. Place your extinguishers where someone can reach them quickly.

The Critical Six-Year Maintenance for Fire Extinguishers

Another crucial aspect of fire extinguisher maintenance is the mandatory six-year inspection for many types of units. Over time, extinguishers can age, leading to issues such as rust, seepage, or dry-rotting hoses that can render them ineffective. Six year maintence is code mandated and essential; it resets the extinguisher’s reliability clock, ensuring the inside agent and components are in good condition which gives you peace of mind that it will work when called upon.

Seasonal Risks and the Speed of Holiday Fires

  • December can be treacherous when it comes to fire safety. Increased use of space heaters, the presence of dry Christmas trees, and the risk of overloaded extension cords can all contribute to fire hazards. In addition, holiday cooking and decorating often lead to distractions, further increasing the risk. Let’s not overlook fire extinguishers this month or any other. Their accessibility and functionality could potentially save lives.
  • Another alarming fact to consider is that holiday fires can spread much faster than many people realize. For instance, a Christmas tree fire can escalate in under a minute, creating a catastrophic situation in mere moments. This reality underscores the importance of fire extinguishers being in proper working order and easily accessible.

Building Managers: Protect What You Value Most

For building managers, December is not only about festivities but also a time to ensure compliance before the new year. By working with a licensed contractor, including our trained professionals at any DU Family of Companies branch, you can align with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and local codes. We will ensure that the appropriate type of extinguisher is in the correct location, with proper placement, distance, and tagging.

As we embrace the holiday spirit, let’s also commit to fire safety. Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers is not just an obligation but a vital practice that protects everyone. Contact your local DU Family of Companies branch today to schedule your inspections and ensure your fire safety equipment is ready when you need it most.

Stay safe and enjoy a festive season!

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.