How to Prevent Becoming the Victim of a Home Fire

• Children 4 and under
• Older adults ages 65+
• African Americans and Native American Americans
• The poorest Americans
• Persons living rural areas

What do these groups have in common? If you said that they were the groups most likely to be the victims of a fire, then you would be correct. Of course, these groups are not the only ones affected by home fires. And, while these are sobering facts, consider these additional fire facts collected by the CDC:

• On average, one person dies every 158 minutes due to a fire in the U.S.
• 4 out 5 deaths due to fire occur in the home.
• Most victims of fire die due to smoke or toxic gases and not from burns.
• Males make up 64% of the total costs of fire/burn injuries incurring medical bills of $4.8 billion; females account for $2.7 billion in medical bills due to fire.
• Fatal fire and burn injuries cost an average of $3 billion per year.

It seems like wintertime is one of the most common times of the year to hear about homes being burned. Perhaps it is because people get careless with their fireplace safety or maybe it's because we are so busy, that we overlook simple fire prevention steps. But whatever the cause, the result is always one of despair, distress and grief. And while the numbers of household fires have decreased in recent years, it has not been alleviated. There are many things we can all do to reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a house fire. Here are some basic fire prevention tips from the Center for Disease Control:

• Never leave food unattended on a stove; this is the primary cause of residential fires.
• Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects such as potholders, towels, etc...
• Do not wear long flowing clothes-especially sleeves that are loose- when cooking.
• Do not smoke in bed or leave cigarettes unattended; this is the leading cause of fire related deaths.
• Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can and keep ash trays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
• Do not place portable space heaters near flammable materials such as drapery.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children!
• Install smoke alarms and sprinklers on every floor of the home and be sure they are in rooms where people sleep.
• Check the batteries in smoke detectors frequently; a good rule of thumb is to check them whenever you adjust your clock for Daylight Savings Time.
• Devise a family escape route and practice it at least monthly. In the plan, have at least 2 different ways each family member can get out from every room and designate a safe place in front of the home for family member to escape to.

Being the victim of a fire-no matter how large or small the fire- is a frightening, traumatic occurrence. Taking time to do all that you can to avoid being part of the statistics is worth it.

To learn more about how to prevent fires, visit Brothers Fire of MN. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire Protection. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Official Distributor for Siemens Fire Alarm Systems in Wisconsin

Brothers Fire Protection is excited to announce that we have recently become an official distributor for Siemens Fire Alarm Systems in Wisconsin!

Brothers Fire continues to offer fire protection services in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. We also work with Fike, Bosch, Jeron, DSC, and Tektone.

For more information on fire protection from Brothers Fire, visit our website at www.brothersfire.com.

Commercial Fire Alarms and Control Panels

What to Be Aware of so You Do Not Get Burned

Before there were modern day fire alarm control panels and easy-to-use touch screen computer interfaces, the only defense against fire was for an individual to call for emergency response services. The first electric smoke detector was patented over 100 years ago, but was unable to be affordably mass produced until around 1970. Prior to then only large businesses were able to afford smoke detectors. Up until fairly recently most fire alarm control systems were also prohibitively expensive for all but the largest companies. Fire control equipment is constantly evolving as are the fire codes. There are many considerations to be concerned with when dealing with fire control panels and fire suppression systems.

As advancements in electronics and computers were made the cost of fire alarms have leveled. Newer effective fire suppression chemicals have also increased the effectiveness of fire suppression systems. Depending upon the type and purpose of the building, specific types of fire suppression systems may be required for the intended purpose. For example, restaurants will require a different fire suppression system than a computerized data center.

Of all the varying types of suppression systems available on the market, the most commonly installed is a standard wet pipe system which is what most of the public has seen throughout retail shopping stores. Other systems can be dry pipe systems or strictly use a chemical suppression system designed for sensitive electronics or conditions where grease or other flammable liquids may be present.

If the building is in the planning stages a basic fire sprinkler can seem like a sizable investment. If the building in question is already completed or being purchased retrofitting the structure may be necessary in order to bring the property up to minimum fire code requirements. The cost can be much higher than new construction. It is important to note regarding real estate transactions of commercially zoned property that real estate agents will very likely be ill equipped to make an informed assessment of any fire control panel or suppression system. Contacting a fire alarm or security company like, Brothers Fire Protection, which may inspect fire suppression equipment may be necessary to prevent additional costly oversights after the real estate transaction has been completed.

Regardless of the type of business, it is mandatory to have an inspection performed of any fire sprinkler or suppression system present at regularly scheduled intervals. Usually the interval is consistent with a one year period. In many jurisdictions, however, it may be more frequently required.

To learn more about fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and fire suppression systems contact Brothers Fire Protection.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire Protection. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

3 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Fire Sprinkler System in Working Order

Having a fire sprinkler system is a great way to protect your home and office from fire. Since a fire sprinkler system is the first line of defense against the loss of property due to fire, you want to be sure that your sprinkler system is in proper working order at all times...otherwise, it is just glorified "room décor". So, what can you do to make sure that your system will work when or if it is needed? After all, a system is only as good as its maintenance. There are several precautionary measures you can take to make sure that your system is in proper working order. Here are the 3 main steps you should take:

Protecting Your Fires Sprinklers

Keep your fire sprinklers in working order by making sure that there is nothing blocking them. Be sure that there are no pictures or large pieces of furniture away from the walls where the sprinklers are installed. In addition, do not hang lamps or plants near the sprinklers. Also, remember to never use the sprinkler heads or pipes as hooks or "closet rods" as even lightweight items can damage the sprinkler system. Be sure that if you are painting the room, you keep paint away from the sprinkler or sprinkler cover. To paint in a room where these are installed, be sure to cover the sprinklers with plastic and then remove the plastic as soon as the job is completed.

Other precautionary steps to be taken include being very careful to avoid the spray heads when moving tall objects and teaching children not to play or touch (assuming they can reach it) the components of the system.

Keeping the Valve Turned on and Opened

It sounds obvious, but should still be checked. Be sure that the control is open. An opened control will be in line with the pipe while a closed one will form a right angle to the pipe. Many professional recommend using a padlock to keep the valve in the on position. In the event that your system is turned off, be sure that you turn it back on as soon as possible. You should also be sure to never store anything within 1 foot of the water controls as this can impede usage.

Water Flow Testing

At least once a year you need to test the rate of the water flow. Here are 6 easy steps to ensure your system is working properly:

1. If your sprinklers are connected to a central alarm, let the fire department know you will be conducting a test.
2. Find the flow test valve. It is usually labeled main drain, inspector test or test and drain.
3. Slowly turn on the control valve so that it is in line with the pipe.
4. When the water begins running, let it run for about a minute. If your system has an alarm it will sound.
5. Slowly turn the control valve off.
6. Write down the date you performed the test.

For more information on fire sprinkler systems contact Brothers Fire Protection of Minnesota.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire Protection. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

The Fire Triangle and How to Extinguish Fires

The fire triangle is a graphical device for understanding the needed components to cause and sustain a fire. Each of the three legs of the triangle represent one of three needed elements, namely, heat, an oxidizing agent and fuel. A fire can only burn if all three elements are present and, by extension, fire fighting involves depriving the fire of one of the elements.

The removal of heat is a common fire fighting tactic. For instance, spraying water on a fire cools everything down and prohibits the fire from continuing to burn. If you imagine a burning building with fire fighters using fire hoses, you can see the that there is plenty of fuel in the form of wood, drywall, etc. and there is plenty of oxygen in the surrounding air but the water being applied removes the heat and the fire is eventually defeated.

Removal of fuel is a second way to defeat fires. This method is used frequently when combating grass fires like those that seem so frequent in California. It is impossible to remove the oxygen as it is in the surrounding air but by creating fire breaks the flames can be contained. A fire break is constructed by removing all the fuel, in the case grass, in a long, wide path or strip around the fire. When the fire burns up to the break it will extinguish as it has burnt all the fuel behind it and can't burn the bare ground in front of it. Lacking a source of fuel, the fire goes out. The concept is also used to stop forest fires although the breaks must be wider to be effective.

Removing oxygen is the final way to extinguish a fire. You may have used this method yourself if you have ever had a grease fire in a pan or pot. By simply putting the lid on the pot, the fire goes out. It still has fuel, your food, and has heat but it rapidly consumes all the oxygen in the pot. Of course, the lid is not air tight and oxygen is streaming in to replace the consumed oxygen but it is doing so at rate that is not sufficient to sustain the fire.

Removing oxygen is also a way to prevent fires. When a camp fire is finished we are all advised to cover it with dirt. The dirt prevents the oxygen from reaching the coals and continuing to burn. The dirt also prevents new fuel from falling into the hot coals and starting a new, larger fire.

For more information on fire safety equipment please visit Brothers Fire Protection or call 800-607-2767.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire Protection. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Fire Safety - University and Colleges Sacrifice Students' Safety For Financial Reasons

Fire safety and prevention is always paramount, but facilities with buildings constructed over twenty years ago may not meet and satisfy current fire code regulations. Nowhere is this more important than with colleges and universities, many with buildings constructed more than one hundred years ago. Protecting the country's youth does not always take a front seat, but proves to be costly every year.

One main problem regarding latent and potential fire hazards on school campuses pertains to housing and dormitories. Many of these structures which were built more than thirty years ago were not designed with present fire codes in mind. Many of these facilities relied upon the use of asbestos to help combat the threat of fire. Due to the health risks which asbestos presents, asbestos materials have been removed and replaced by safer building materials. In doing so, it has increased the risk of death and extensive property damage. Open stairwells, the lack of fire barriers, and the lack of fire or smoke dampers are just a few more of the crippling aspects of older dormitories. On-campus fraternities and sororities often share similar weaknesses.

Another consideration of a serious problem, although it is much more specific, affects those individuals in wheelchairs. Universities and colleges have added elevators in many older buildings to maintain compliance with accessibility requirements. While this allows wheel chair access to all floors of a building, in the event of a fire elevators are deactivated. Obviously the outcome of a fire in one of these buildings is easily predictable without incorporating areas of rescue assistance for wheelchair access.

Fire alarm panels and control systems have come a long way from the basic siren or bell system with which most adults may remember from elementary school. Today in addition to the traditional fire alarm systems, modern fire alarms, control panels and security systems have evolved into highly complex addressable computer panels and communication centers. Costs can easily exceed well beyond $20,000 for a fire control system in a university dormitory setting. The major obstruction to updating or upgrading these aging buildings is the growing budgetary limitations. The cost to retrofit many of these buildings is prohibitive. Much of the monies delegated to construction and infrastructure is tied up with new buildings and facilities. Schools may qualify for federal funding for the purpose of retrofitting and upgrading those structures which currently do not meet the minimum fire codes.

For more information on commercial fire alarms and fire suppression systems, please visit Brothers Fire Protection or call 800-607-2767.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire Protection. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Get the Facts About Fire Prevention

• Fact:Each year in America there are more than 4,000 people who die as a result of fires.
• Fact: Installing smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system will reduce risk of death in a home fire by 82%.
• Fact: 90% of home fires can be contained with just one sprinkler, the one closest to the fire, resulting in less water damage than of the fire department.
• Fact: Modern fire sprinklers are inconspicuous and can be mounted so that they are flush with the ceilings or walls.
• Fact: Home fire sprinkler systems only add 1 to 1.5% of the total building costs in new home construction.
• Fact: A residential fire occurs every 76 seconds.
• Fact:49% of all home fire deaths resulted from fires that were reported between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• Fact: 17 people die in home fires every day.
• Fact:18% of home fire deaths occurred in homes in which only a smoke alarm was in use.
• Fact: Fire sprinklers save lives, reduce property loss and will even help lower your homeowner insurance premiums.

If you have never been the victim of a house fire, then you can only marginally relate to the feelings of desolation and loss. There is little in life that can prepare you for seeing the ashes of what was once your home. As you stand there, you can't help but think of the good times you shared within the walls of your home, of the special keepsakes that have been destroyed, the photos or scrapbooks that you lovingly placed in albums and many other reminders and mementos that contributed to who and what you are. Simply stated, a fire is one of the most devastating things that can occur in the life of anyone.

In addition to the emotional loss, the economical strain of a fire can take some time to recover from. After all, once you have received the insurance money, there is time spent to replace things such as clothes, household items like appliances and computers, groceries and many other things that one can so easily take for granted. Plus, there is the time you have to take off from work in order to get situated and settled in at new residence.

So, why should you become the victim of a home fire when it can be avoided? After all, there is an assortment of products available to prevent property loss due to fire. Even if you have a smoke alarm, it is not enough. Today, you can have a home sprinkler system installed that effectively puts out fires-in some cases, quicker than the fire department can arrive! There are many companies who specialize in installing home sprinkler systems and who will be happy to walk through your home to let you know how their system can save you the emotional and economical stress of a home fire. You don't have to become one of the statistics!

For additional information on the topic of home fire sprinkler systems visit Brothers Fire. Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

8 Reasons You Should Have a Fire Protection System in Your Home

Your home and family are two of the most important "possessions" you have. And, as a responsible adult you want to protect them in every way you can. For the home or business owner, there are very few things more devastating than fire. And yet, many homes and offices still do not have an effective fire protection. If you think that you can beat the odds, and not need to get fire protection, then consider these facts from the National Fire Protection Agency.

• Fires kill more people in America every year than all the natural disaster combined, with 80% of these deaths occurring in the home. In fact, nationwide, there are more than 4,000 people killed by fires.
• Installing both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system reduces the risk of death due to a home fire by 82%
• The NFPA has no record of a fire killing more than 2 people in a completely sprinklered public assembly, educational, institutional, or residential building where the sprinkler system was working properly.
• According to the CDC, in 2008 fire departments responded to 403,000 home fires in the U.S. There were 2,755 (not including firefighters) deaths, and another 13,560 civilians injured.
• Fire and burn injuries, in 2006, resulted in $7.5 billion dollars spent in medical care.

Basic Reasons to Choose a Fire Sprinkler System in Your Home

If you are still not sold on why you should have a fire sprinkler system in your home, for whatever reasons, consider these 8 statements:

1. Fire hoses, typically use more than 8 1/2 times more water than sprinklers do to contain a fire, this is a difference of firefighters using 2,935 gallons of water versus the 341 gallons of water used by a sprinkler system. The ultimate result being that there is less water damage to items in the home, yet the fire is still contained effectively and efficiently. It should also be noted that only the sprinkler closest to the fire, and will spray directly on the fire.
2. In 90% of home fires it is only necessary to use one sprinkler to contain the fire.
3. The chances of a sprinkler accidentally discharging due to manufacturing defects are extremely rare. In addition, modern sprinklers provide inconspicuous protection.
4. Installing a fire sprinkler saves lives, reduces property loss and can even lower homeowner insurance premiums.
5. When you are building a new residence, having a fire sprinkler system added to the construction only increases building cost by 1-1.5%.
6. The chances of a fire sprinkler not working are slim and are dependent on the plumbing system in the home. If the plumbing is functioning correctly, so will the fire sprinkler.
7. In the majority of cases, a home sprinkler system can contain and potentially extinguish a fire faster than the fire department can arrive on the scene.
8. Residential sprinklers systems can be recessed into the walls or ceilings, and some can be painted to match the room's decor.

For additional information on the topic of fire sprinkler systems visit Brothers Fire. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Commercial Losses - Fire Control and Suppression Systems Can Prevent Financial Loss

Fire alarm systems are required by law in almost every commercial and industrial place of business. There are few exceptions to this rule. Deciding which type of fire alarm system and suppression system is rarely left up to the business owner or property owner. Specific alarm systems and monitoring panels will be determined by the local authorities.

Even though building codes and fire codes will dictate the type of system needing to be installed, these requirements are strictly the bare minimum that the local jurisdictions and state government mandate. Frequently the bare minimum will still result in vast amounts of property damage. For this reason it is always important to inquire of the fire alarm installation company how best to improve on the fire codes with regards to the installed fire suppression system.

If the building or facility is being erected, going the extra mile by installing additional fire prevention measures will lower the chances of extensive property loss when a fire does occur. For proper installation of a new fire alarm and suppression system or improving a current fire control system, contracting with a professional and competent installation company will need to be arranged. With new construction, this is taken care of by the general contractor overseeing the entire construction project. If the building is already established and occupied, then any improvements to the fire alarm system will most likely be set into motion by the property owner or property manager.

Fortunately fire codes do not change drastically or frequently, but if the codes do change, occasionally those structures currently established may not need to upgrade the current fire suppression system due to being grandfathered. One exception to this rule may be when the property is sold.

Local or state law may dictate that in order to complete the real estate transaction the existing fire suppression system, including the control panel, may need to be updated. Should this be the case, the cost can be surprising. The expense of upgrading or modernizing the fire control components will need to be taken into account along with the details of the real estate transaction. Many real estate agencies and service will not always be aware of specifics of this type.

It is recommended that the sale of the commercial property be contingent upon a fire inspection. Many professional and experienced fire alarm installation firms can be utilized in this manner. Without a satisfactory inspection, the new property owner may be fined and ordered to improve or bring the current suppression system up to date which can easily reach into the thousands.

For additional information on the topic of security and fire alarms as well as inspections visit http://www.brothersfire.com.

Fire Safety / How to Effectively Use a Fire Extinguisher

Nobody likes to imagine they would be put in an emergency situation and not know what to do. As a training exercise we often imagine in our head the steps we would take or what we need to do to help out. Frequently, in this thought exercise people consider a fire outbreak. Unfortunately, people feel fully prepared by simply confirming the location of fire extinguishers and reading how to activate the device. This is all well and good but often the question of how to actually employ the device is overlooked. There are specific techniques to utilize when fighting a fire and not adhering to them can cause your efforts to be entirely ineffective. That can be a scary thought!

In order to properly employ a fire extinguisher, remove it from its storage spot, aim it away from yourself and pull the pin. The device is now ready to use.

Get as close to the flames as you can without risking your own safety. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flame where it meets whatever fuel source it is burning. A fire can flame up very high and it can be tempting to aim at this mass. Doing so is completely ineffective as the extinguishing agent simply passes through the flame. By aiming at the base of the fire you are covering the fuel source and preventing the fire from burning.

Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover the entire base of the fire. Only extinguishing a section of the fuel source will not stop the fire. Additionally, walk closer to the fire as it is going out to ensure of maximum effect. Again, do not compromise your safety while doing so.

Additionally, be certain to let go of the extinguisher handle once the fire is out. This might seem obvious but it is not uncommon for an extinguisher to have about ten seconds of extinguishing agent. You could run out of extinguishing agent if you have to fight a second flame and don't release while moving to the new fire.

Finally, before using the extinguisher, make sure it is rated for the type of fire you have. Not all extinguishers work for all fuel types. Check the labels and make sure you have an appropriate extinguisher before applying it to a flame.

Hopefully, these tip will help you effectively put out any fire you might have to fight. But lets hope you never have to use this skill!

For more information on fire extinguishers visit http://www.BrothersFire.com.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.

Fire Alarms and Suppression - What Types of Control Panels May Be Installed in a Commercial Facility

Fire alarms vary in complexity and control. There are basically four types of fire alarm control panels. The original and simplest fire alarm control panels were coded panels. These panels gave way to newer electronic conventional control panels. Multiplex panels were the transition from conventional control panels to modern day addressable fire alarm control panels. Coded and conventional control panels are not utilized today unless "grandfathered".

Conventional fire alarm control panels will show an alarm in a generalized zone when a signaling device has been activated, such as smoke detector or pull station. These panels were not able to provide specific details as to which signaling device was tripped and in what specific room, In this instance, every individual extinguishing device, such as a fire sprinkler head, would be activated thereby flooding an entire zone. The majority of small businesses, older schools or hospitals and retail shopping centers were commonly set up with this type of system.

While prior systems were only able to notify the user of a fire in a generalized zone, the functionality of addressable control panels were now able to pinpoint which individual or multiple signaling devices have been activated, such as a pull station or smoke detector. Addressable fire alarm systems used today are essentially a computer network which communicates with each individual signaling device, sensor and even additional panels.

It is quite common for modern day fire alarm control systems to make use of multiple control panels due to the complexity and needs of a commercial facility or business. A typical example would be to have multiple buildings of a facility have their own panels, which could detect input signals from specific smoke detectors or other signaling device. These panels would then activate a different panel which governs the output of particular extinguishing devices. By activating only one or a few specific sprinkler heads other areas of the property or sensitive records can be spared the damaging effects of flooding. A supervisory control panel or monitor station would normally be used to keep tabs on all individual panels.

While fire sprinklers are usually the most common extinguishing device used, there are several other methods for extinguishing fires. Depending upon the particular nature of the building and business, a system which does not rely on water as an extinguishing agent may be preferred. An example of this scenario would be a fire occurring in a computer data center or parts of a chemical plant.

New construction will allow the fire alarm company to truly customize the fire alarm and suppression system. There is usually not a situation with multiple brands of panels being installed. Where a challenge arises is when there is an existing fire control system. Many brands use proprietary standards and may not be able to communicate with other differing brands of equipment.

Over simplified as this summary is, a professional fire alarm company will be able to recommend and install a system which will fulfill the exact needs of the corporation or commercial facility. Planning is the key to providing a safe environment. While more complex fire alarms and suppression systems will incur a higher cost, the overall expense could be much worse without the proper system in place.

For more information on the topic of fire safety and fire alarms, please visit http://www.brothersfire.com.

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.

Fire Alarms & Fire Protection Learn How to Avoid Death and Injury If Your House is on Fire

We all know of people that have had their home burn to the ground. It is a horrible thing to have happen but what would you do if your home caught on fire? Do you know how to react or what actions to take? Does your family? A little preparation and discussion of what to do can go a long way toward making sure your family survives a house fire.

The first thing to discuss and explore are escape routes. Does everybody know all the ways to get out of the house? Is it possible to climb out a window and escape via the roof. This is not a normal exit but could work during a fire. Are there routes that have challenges such as doors that stick and are inoperable by children. Are there routes that could work if an escape ladder were kept nearby? Explore your home and educate everybody on all the ways to exit the home. Also, be sure to designate who will help children or the elderly in the event of a fire.

If you do find yourself in a blaze and need to escape, it is imperative move cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. For instance, don't just open a door automatically as you would ordinarily do. There could be a raging fire on the other side and door is preventing it from reaching you. Before opening, check for smoke seeping under the door or around the edge. If you see smoke do not open the door and find a different route. Likewise, do not open any door that is hot or very warm. Opening a door under these circumstances can alter air flow and cause a smoldering fire to burst into an inferno.

Most people are killed by smoke and fumes during a fire and not the actual blaze. Drop to your knees and crawl along the floor if you find yourself in a smoke filled environment. Smoke rises and there is typically a foot or two of smoke free air just above the floor. Cover you mouth and nose with a wet cloth if possible. This will act as a filter and provide greater protection from the smoke.

Be sure that you have established a rally point for everybody to congregate once out of the house. In this fashion, you will know if somebody is missing. Call the fire department once you have reached this point. Do not call from within the house as this will delay your exit and increase your risk of harm.

Be sure to discuss with your children that they should not hide under furniture or other objects. This make it harder to locate them. Children should remain in the open or near a window when possible.

Finally, practice your home fire drill quarterly. Everybody should be able to exit within three minutes. Be certain to vary the drill by imagining that certain escape routes are blocked. Also, practice how to deploy and use escape ladders so that it is second nature. Trying to figure out how to use the device during an emergency is clearly to be avoided.

With a little practice and discussion, you can make your family more safe and provide peace-of-mind. Don't delay and risk being a sad story on the nightly news - start today!

Visit http://www.brothersfire.com to learn more on this topic and for information of fire safety equipment.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.

Fire Sprinkler Systems and Alarms - What to Do When the System Has Received Possible Damage

Fire sprinkler systems can be exceptionally complex to design and construct. Like every mechanical machine, routine maintenance and inspections need to be performed on the fire sprinkler system and fire alarm system in order to ensure that these systems are functioning at 100% effectiveness. Although every state requires regular inspections, there are times and reasons when a sprinkler system needs to be serviced outside of the regular state mandated inspections. There are several different factors that will determine when this is necessary.

Different buildings will be used for different purposes. A manufacturing plant will have specific requirements for the type of fire suppression system than what a computer data center will need. Where there can be a large oversight is when a building which was used for one purpose is then adapted to another. Retail shopping centers and warehouses often fall into this category. If there is not a review or inspection of the existing fire sprinkler system, when it is mostly needed it may very well prove to be insufficient.

Depending on the region of the country, certain areas with different climates can pose potential problems. While the southeast is prone to hurricane damage or the west coast vulnerable to earthquake damage, the northern and Midwestern states, such as Minnesota, are prone to damage due to subzero temperatures. The most commonly installed wet pipe sprinkler systems are more susceptible to damage by freezing temperatures. When the water in a wet pipe system freezes, expansion will take place. The added pressure on the joints and heads can cause cracks.

Another very common problem is due to the carelessness of an employee or equipment hitting a sprinkler head or other parts of the system. Ongoing nearby construction and forklifts can be apparent culprits. Damage of this type can prevent the head from spraying or spray uncontrollably, which can cause the system to malfunction. In either case, a service professional will need to be called to affect repairs.

It may be recommended that sprinkler heads which are subjected to elevated heat sources such as heaters, construction lighting, or skylights, may need to be replaced with heads rated for higher heat tolerances. Under no circumstances should an employee, manager or business owner attempt to repair the system themselves.

Any damage that may be present will not usually be readily apparent until the system is needed and it is too late. Repairing or replacing fire sprinkler components should only be performed by trained experts. Any attempt to repair a system without the proper training and experience can result in disastrous effects. If an individual attempts to repair or make any adjustments to a fire sprinkler system without the proper certification and permission, some ordinances dictate that the individual is guilty of tampering with a fire control device which is classified as a felony in many jurisdictions. At the very least, the penalty will be several hundred dollars and perhaps result in a person's death in the event of a fire.

For additional information on the topic of commercial fire alarms and commercial fire suppression systems. Please visit http://www.brothersfire.com. Article independently authored by Daniel P Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.

Perform a 10 Minute Inspection to Prevent a Fire in Your Home

Most of us live a relatively calm life free from emergency and drama. In fact, the vast majority of people only see emergency situation on the news and maybe a car accident on occasion. While watching these situations, people often ask themselves "Could that happen to me?" and "How would I have reacted - would I have done the right thing?" But that is about as far as it goes. The news ends and the domestic routine takes over again without any preventative action being taken.

That why I encourage you to take action right after reading this article. A few minutes spent looking around your house and talking with your children can prevent you from being the lead story on the evening news because your house is burning down.

Fire safety is really very basic, uncomplicated stuff. Get ready to poke around your house and make it safer!

First, inspect and think about your appliances. Are they in good condition or are there frayed cords or loose electrical components? Do they get really hot, spark or smell like something is burning while being used. Get them repaired or buy a replacement as appropriate.

Second, make sure that beds and fabric are not near or touching electric baseboard heaters if your home has them. This can lead to excessive heat build ultimately resulting in a fire.

Third, be careful when using power strips or similar outlet expansion devices. Plugging too many appliances into on outlet is a common way that house fires start. Reroute the devices to other outlets or have new outlets installed if there are not alternative outlets available. Also, don't simply use extension cords as "permanent" wiring. I have seen cords routed through walls to act as an additional outlet. This is dangerous as extension cords are not designed for this type of usage.

Fourth, replace any standard outlet in the kitchen or bathroom with ground fault outlets. These are much safer in moist environments than a standard outlet and can prevent shocks as well as fires.

Finally, check to make sure the light bulbs in your lamps are not a larger wattage than recommended. This is a another common cause of household fires.

Taking these easy steps and correcting any deficiencies will go a long way toward keeping your home safe. Start your inspection right now while you are thinking about it! Don't delay - your life may depend on it.

For more information on fire safety please visit www.BrothersFire.com.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.

Commercial Or Business Fire Sprinkler Choices - Which Suppression System Will Work the Best?

Commercial and residential fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression systems have one goal: extinguish the fire in order to prevent and minimize property loss and lives. To this end, there are approximately 6 different types of fire sprinkler systems used throughout the U.S., wet pipe, dry pipe, deluge and pre-action, foam water, and "water spray systems". The two most commonly installed sprinkler systems in commercial environments and businesses are wet pipe systems and dry pipe systems.

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most popular type to have installed for a number of reasons. These systems are the simplest in function and therefore the most reliable. As expected, when the temperature of an area reaches a pre-set level, the glass bulb or link located at the affected sprinkler head releases allowing the flow of water. The cost of a wet pipe system is also usually the most inexpensive to have installed and maintain. Dry pipe systems are similar in operation with one key difference. Portion of lines leading to the fire sprinkler heads are filled with air. When the temperature at each individual head exceeds the pre-set limit, the individual sprinkler head is activated.

The air filling the line is expelled, then replaced with the water supply pushing in behind. The intended purpose of a dry pipe system is to allow for freezing temperatures and greatly lowering the risk of a freezing water line causing a rupture. A system such as this type can be less effective initially in extinguishing a fire due to the delay of water reaching the sprinkler head and dousing the fire. Increased cost of installation and maintenance, as well as complexity, can be a downside to installing this type of fire suppression system. Deluge systems and pre-action systems are similar to one another in that both are activated by some type of fire alarm system.

Deluge systems are common where the risk of fire spreading quickly is a concern. Deluge sprinkler systems, when activated simply spray water from every sprinkler head simultaneously instead of individual sprinkler head activation. Pre-action system can essentially be a combination of wet, dry and deluge systems. The advantage of a pre-action system is that it can send a trouble alarm should some problems occur without activating a sprinkler head. Some of this type of fire sprinkler system can also be set up for operation only when the temperature at a sprinkler head has exceeded the pre-set and a fire alarm is activated as well, essentially serving as a double check.

Foam water and "water spray" systems are usually installed where potentially hazardous materials are located and sensitive equipment. A mixture of foam and water helps to suppress the fire while the latter system sprays water in a particular spray pattern. These last two systems are not necessary for the majority of commercial businesses. Having any of these fire sprinkler setups is not enough.

Proper maintenance, as with any machinery, is necessary for successful operation. Depending upon the individual state or even local city laws, fire sprinkler systems are required to be inspected at least once per year, often more frequently. In order to receive discounts on insurance, insurance companies will sometimes require proof of inspection. Regardless of what type of fire sprinkler system being used, the cost of installation and maintaining the system will be miniscule compared to the loss of property, life and future revenue.

For more information on fire safety, fire alarms, and fire suppressions systems, please visit www.brothersfire.com.

Article independently authored by Daniel P. Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire.

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