DIY Home Improvement Tips

A new fad is sweeping the nation, from NYC to LA, homeowners are embracing the DIY lifestyle and wanting to be more hands on with the improvements and changes to their houses. The days of call contractors to help fix a fridge or do hardwood flooring are gone, now homeowners are embracing the challenge and diving head first into home improvement. DIY projects are a lot of fun if you’re someone who’s looking for a challenge, but unfortunately they can turn out disastrous and sometimes life threatening. That is why, if you’re going to be doing DIY projects, make sure you follow a list of safety guidelines to make your home improvement a success.

DIY

 

 

Use a Sturdy Ladder.

When working on things that would be on your ceiling, like painting, replacing a light bulb or installing security cameras or motion detectors, make sure you don’t skimp out and use a solid, sturdy ladder. Most ladders seem sturdy but one false step, motion or adjustment can have you falling straight to the ground. In fact according to the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) about 2 million Americans need treatment from a medical professional every year from injuries caused by a ladder. Here’s a few pointers to get you off on the right foot:

  • As much as you can, avoid putting the ladder on a soft surface. If you absolutely have to use a ladder on a soft surface, put a piece of plywood underneath of it to reinforce the base.
  • Make sure to keep at least three points of contact when using an extension ladder.
  • Never when using a ladder go above the second from the top rung. If you have to get a little higher, you need a taller ladder.

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Use the Correct Tools

When it comes down to home improvement projects, tools can not only make sure that you’re doing the project the most efficiently, but also that you are properly installing or working on something. When most DIYers start a project they normally start with just a hammer and nails, although the larger tools may seem intimidating, you can rent them from your local hardware store, it’s smarter to use bigger tools and have the job done properly rather than using a hammer and nails when a project requires a drill and multiple screws.

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Hire A Professional

When you decide to take on installing a Home Security System, there’s only one right way to do it, and that’s calling Titan Alarm and having one of our trained professionals come out to your location and make a customized Home Security System that fits your house’s needs. Security is not something you want to have go wrong when you need it most, so having a professional install it let’s you rest easy knowing that it’s functioning the way it needs to. Give us a call today 602-680-4567, let Titan DIY this project for you.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Keep Your Playrooms Safe

A lot of parents out there believe that their home is one of the safest place for their children to be, and more often than not that’s true. Unfortunately, there are reports that at least 10,000 children are brought to the emergency room almost every day for common house hold items causing injuries. What is even more sad is that around 6 children die per day, caused by an accident that happened around the home.

At Titan Alarm, our goal is to make sure you are educated and able to keep your family safe and protected. Children spend a lot of time in the playrooms we have set aside for them, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common things that cause injury to children that are normally found in the play rooms.

 

  1. Stuffed Animals

They’re a child’s go to toy for cuddling and when they need to be comforted, but did you know that the stuffed animals that are kept in your child’s playroom can also be dangerous? To drop the rate and risk of suffocation that can be caused by these toys, make sure to try and keep them away from the main areas that your young child sleeps in or lays down around.

Toddlers and younger children can often remove small pieces off of the stuffed animals, like eyes, buttons, and other little details sewn onto the stuffed animal, so if needed, reinforce or remove these pieces.

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  1. Magnets

Did you know that children can be seriously and sometimes fatally harmed by consuming small magnets? The CPSC or Consumer Product Safety Commission actually recommends that any toys with magnets need to be kept away from children that are under the age of six. If you search your house’s playroom and find these toys, simply remove them until your child is at an age to play with these toys safely.

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  1. Foam Mats

Remember those mats that they used in Gym Class and in almost every child care facility? If you have those in your house, make sure that chemically it’s safe. There are a lot of foam play mats on the market that unfortunately contain formaldehyde and quite a few other toxins that will present risks to your child’s health.

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  1. Trampolines

Who didn’t love trampolines growing up? The little indoor trampolines seem like a bit less danger than the rather large ones set up in people’s backyards, but it actually still is rather unsafe. If your playroom is equipped with a trampoline consider replacing it with something a little safer, and with something that doesn’t have metal springs a child’s hand could get caught in.

trampoline

 

 

  1. Arts and Crafts

This was some of the most fun as a child, play-doh, crayons, finger painting, the messy stuff, and most of the time these supplies are made to be nontoxic so that children can use them safely. However there are still quite a few out there that aren’t marked nontoxic and can cause an emergency room trip to have a child’s stomach pumped. Until your children are old enough, don’t let them use these products unsupervised.

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  1. Packaging and Bags

The amount of packaging that children’s toys come in now a days is ridiculous, five different layers to get through just to get to a happy meal toy, but in all seriousness, these materials if left out around the house can cause choking hazards, keep these materials stored safely or quickly dispose of them after unwrapping a toy or gadget.

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Titan Alarm wants to be the company you can call for any of your household safety needs, from tips and tricks to keep your kids safe, to how to automate your whole house, Titan Alarm is just a phone call away. 602-680-4567

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Safest Cities in Arizona

Arizona has always been known for its natural beauty, its rich cowboy history and all of its timeless traditions. Arizona also has a low unemployment rate, making it one of the best places to live for millennials and anyone else looking to advance or change their career. The commercial world is constantly growing, and ample job opportunities are available primarily in the technology and bioscience industries.

In recent years, Arizona has had significant changes in crime rates. The overall rate of crime has dropped 9 percent in the last year, and murders and burglaries individually decreased by 10 percent as well. Although these are huge milestones for Arizona as a whole, residents of the following top 20 safest cities experienced even less crime over the last year. According to the most recent FBI Crime Report, the chances of being a victim of crimes in one of the 20 cities was up to 40 percent less than national averages.

Whether you want the small-town vibe of Pima or the big-city vibe that permeates Phoenix or Scottsdale, there’s a good chance you will be able to find a safe, secure place to call home.

What Are The Safest Cities in Arizona?

To find the top 20 safest cities in Arizona, we reviewed the most recent data from the FBI Crime Report from 2014 and combined it with population data from each city. We eliminated any city with less than 2,000 residents, as well as any city that did not provide a complete crime report to the FBI. We then narrowed the results to indicate only the number of violent and property crimes that were reported in each city. We calculated the results based on the likelihood of these crimes occurring per 1,000 people.

Check the remaining cities below:

1. Florence

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.28
Property Crimes per 1,000: 5.98

Florence1

At a rate of only 5.98 crimes per 1,000 residents, Florence can boast having the lowest property crime rate of any of the cities on our top 20 list. Florence is also considered one of the best cities to live in Arizona for people who prefer a small-town lifestyle, but with easy access to the big city. Located just 61 miles southeast of Phoenix, Florence has a relatively small population of 25,536 as of the 2010 census. Florence is also a growing city: The estimated 2014 population is 26, 912.

Florence is rich in history. The city was founded in 1866 by a U.S. Indian agent named Levi Ruggles, who recognized the area for its abundant agricultural potential. The city was also the site of a large prison camp for German and Italian POWs during the World War II era.

These days, the relaxed, friendly, safe environment makes Florence one of the best places to live in Arizona for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, or simply wants to enjoy the beautiful weather throughout the year.

2. Clarkdale

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.45
Property Crimes per 1,000: 10.17

clarkdale2

With a population of approximately 4,100 citizens, Clarkdale is the epitome of small-town Arizona living at its finest. Originally founded as a copper mining town in the early 1900s, Clarkdale is one of the earliest known examples of a planned community in the United States. The town’s original design included telegraph lines and amenities such as telephone, electrical and sewer service.

While the closing of the copper mine and copper smelting operation in the early 1950s initially resulted in significant hardship for Clarkdale and its citizens, the construction of the Phoenix Cement Co. facility in 1959 started the city on the road to economic recovery. The cement plant remains as Clarkdale’s primary employer to this day.

The combination of beautiful weather, quiet lifestyle and low crime rate makes Clarkdale attractive to retirees. In fact, the city is primarily known as a retirement community. Clarkdale is also somewhat of a haven for artists – the city features a prominent annual art show and includes a popular community theater.

3. Wellton

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.34
Property Crimes per 1,000: 12.01

Wellton3

Wellton is located in southwestern Arizona, approximately 30 miles from Yuma. Incorporated in 1970, Wellton is a relatively new city with a small population of about 3,000 residents. However, the population typically doubles during the winter season, as residents of the colder Western states and portions of Canada flock there to seek temporary refuge from the bitter winter weather. Two challenging 18-hole golf courses, along with the warm climate, serve as the primary attractive for seasonal visitors. Despite being classified as a small town, Wellton offers all the modern amenities one would expect to find in a larger community.

The low crime rate and ample recreational activities make Wellton one of the best cities in Arizona to live in as well as visit. Annual events include Pioneer Days, Tractor Rodeo, Fishing Derby and numerous Tri-Valley celebrations. Wellton also holds appeal for history buffs. Although it was not officially incorporated until 1970, Wellton was actually founded in 1878. While the stagecoach and later the rail industry thrived during Wellton’s early days, agriculture serves as the foundation for the city’s economy today.

4. Sahuarita

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.33
Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.44

Sahuarita4

According to FBI statistics, Sahuarita is the second-safest city in Arizona with regard to violent crime. Located in Pima County approximately 15 miles south of Tucson, Sahuarita features a population of about 27,500. In addition to its safety and proximity to the Tucson metro area, Sahuarita offers a beautiful high desert climate – the elevation is about 9,000 feet above sea level – a modern downtown area with a small historic district and much in the way of arts and culture. All of this has helped Sahuarita earn the reputation as being one of the best places to live for young adults, families and retirees in Arizona.

Sahuarita’s history dates back to the year 200 A.D. when the Hohokam people, believed to be ancestors of the Tohono O’odham Native American tribe, first inhabited the area. The region was eventually incorporated into the United States in 1854 and became part of the Territory of New Mexico. The actual town of Sahuarita was founded in 1911, but it wasn’t incorporated as a city until 1994.

5. Pima

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.80
Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.48

Pima5

Pima is a small, rural community located in the Gila Valley region in southeastern Arizona. Originally founded in 1879 by Mormon settlers who named the town Smithville, Pima encompasses a 2.5-square-mile area and features a population of approximately 2,500 residents. Pima is the site of the Gila Valley Arizona Temple, a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. The small population and rural lifestyle makes Pima among the best places to live with family members or as a single individual who is looking for a quiet, peaceful environment to enjoy some solitude.

Education, health care and social assistance ranks as the top employment categories in the Pima area, followed by retail trade, agriculture, arts, construction and finance. Despite its small size, Pima is also regarded as a business-friendly community. This is in large part due to its convenient location and proximity to larger business markets – Pima is approximately 128 miles from Tucson and 152 miles from Phoenix – as well as its abundance of modern amenities.

6. Gilbert

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.89
Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.75

Gilbert6

Located just 22 miles southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert has experienced tremendous growth in recent decades: The population of approximately 5,000 in the mid-1980s has mushroomed to well over 200,000 today. Despite this enormous growth, Gilbert features remarkably low violent and property crime rates. The combination of safe living, prime location in the Phoenix metro region and rapid transformation from an agricultural society to a thriving, economically diverse suburban center has made Gilbert among the best places to live for millennials and young families.

Although Gilbert is now regarded as a booming, modern Arizona city, it actually traces its origins to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1902, William “Bobby” Gilbert sold a right-of-way through land he owned in the Mesa area to the Phoenix and Eastern Railroad Co., which subsequently constructed what became known as the Arizona Eastern Railway. A spur line was built on Gilbert’s property, which soon became the site of an agricultural community that was eventually named Gilbert. Safe to say, Gilbert has come a long way from its early days when it was known as the Hay Shipping Capital of the World.

7. San Luis

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.56
Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.25

Sanluis7

San Luis has earned the nickname Gateway to the Sea of Cortez due its proximity to the body of water that separates the Mexican mainland from the Baja California Peninsula. Located just 23 miles from Yuma, San Luis was the fastest-growing city in Arizona from 2000 to 2010. The city’s population continues to increase at a rapid rate, growing from 25,505 at the 2010 census to approximately 31,000 as of 2014. As a Mexican border town, San Luis consists of a large Hispanic population. Both sides of the border contain numerous light manufacturing and assembly plants.

A primary reason for San Luis’s tremendous growth is the city’s annexation of about 16,000 acres of land bordering the eastern portion of the town. This has helped to fuel a tremendous amount of residential, commercial and industrial expansion in the area. Retail trade, manufacturing and agriculture compose the bulk of the San Luis economy. However, the primary employer in San Luis is the city’s school district. The Arizona State Prison complex in Yuma also offers a number of employment opportunities.

8. Somerton

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.65
Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.20

somerton8

Another of the best cities in Arizona in terms of safety and lifestyle is Somerton. Located about 12 miles from Yuma, Somerton traces its roots to 1898 and was incorporated as a city 20 years later. Somerton has a population of approximately 15,000 living in an area encompassing about 1.3 square miles. Somerton is known for its cultural diversity due its proximity to the Mexican border, as well as it being the home region of the Cocopah Native American tribe. The Cocopah Nation is also a major employer in the area, as it operates several entertainment and lodging facilities.

A primary attraction in Somerton is the annual Tamale Festival, which draws about 30,000 visitors each year. The festival, which is organized by the El Diablo Arizona State University Alumni chapter to benefit area students planning to attend ASU, features a wide variety of tamale vendors who sell their delicious Mexican fare to attendees.

While agriculture is the primary economic driver in the Somerton area, light industry is rapidly becoming an economic force, as well as a key source of employment throughout the region.

9. Surprise

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.10
Property Crimes per 1,000: 16.79

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Surprise derives its name from its founder, Flora Mae Statler, who reportedly claimed that she would be “surprised if the city ever amounted to much.” Despite this inauspicious beginning, Surprise is now considered one of the best places to live in Arizona, especially for seniors. Located in Maricopa County about 30 miles from Phoenix, Surprise has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. The 2000 census population of 30,848 has swelled to an estimated 126,275 as of 2014. This makes Surprise the second-fastest growing city in the Phoenix metro area, trailing only the city of Gilbert.

Surprise’s growth is primarily attributed to the influx of retirees who are attracted by the abundant Arizona sunshine and numerous retirement communities. Sun City Grand, a prominent resort-like retirement village designed and built by the well-known Del E. Webb Construction Co., is located in the Surprise area. Surprise Stadium is the spring training home of the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, making the city a popular destination for baseball fans from all over the United States during the spring.

10. Eagar

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.02
Property Crimes per 1,000: 17.08

eagar10

Eager is one of the best places to live in Arizona for those who do not prefer the hot desert climate that dominates so much of the state. Located at the base of the picturesque White Mountains in northeastern Arizona at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Eager appeals to people who like to experience the summer, spring, fall and winter seasons. The low crime rate, laidback lifestyle and abundance of outdoor recreational activities makes Eager ideally suited for families and anyone who is looking to escape the big city. With a population of 5,000 residents, Eager offers a small-town vibe that so many people are striving for these days.

Eager derives its name from Thomas Eager, the homesteader who founded the town in the latter part of the 19th century. The name was changed to Union to symbolize the quest for unity among the numerous small settlements in the region. The name was then changed back to Eager when the city was incorporated in 1948. Eager and the neighboring town of Springerville are now referred to as Round Valley.

11. Snowflake-Taylor

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 4.85
Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.87

snowflake11

Snowflake and the neighboring town of Taylor are located in the beautiful White Mountains region of north central Arizona, about a two-hour drive from Flagstaff and a three-hour drive from the Phoenix metro area. The two towns feature a combined population of about 10,000 residents and have experienced steady growth in recent years. While one might think that Snowflake is named for its mountain location, it actually derives its name from its founders, Mormon pioneers Erastus Snow and Willian Jordon Flake. In fact, the Snowflake-Taylor region receives only about 15.2 inches of snow on average per year.

The Snowflake-Taylor area offers much in the way of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing, making it an appealing place to live for those who prefer fresh air and a slower pace of life. Nearby attractions include the Petrified National Forest and the Painted Desert, both of which are located less than 50 miles to the north. The Navajo Indian Reservation is also within easy driving distance.

12. Buckeye

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.50
Property Crimes per 1,000: 19.63

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Buckeye offers easy access to the big city along with all the benefits of living in a smaller town, including low property and violent crime rates. Located 30 miles from Phoenix, Buckeye is the westernmost suburb of the Phoenix metro area. Open desert and towering mountain ranges lie immediately to the west of Buckeye. The city’s estimated 2014 population was 59,470, a substantial increase from the 2010 census figure of 50,876. However, this pales in comparison to the humongous growth between 2000 and 2010. At the start of the 21st century, Buckeye’s population was a scant 6,537 and increased by a whopping 678 percent in just 10 years.

Buckeye derives its name from its founder, Ohio native Malin M. Jackson. In the late 1880s, Jackson developed 10 miles of land around a waterway that he called the Buckeye Canal – with Ohio being known as The Buckeye State. He originally named the newly created town Sidney after his Ohio hometown, but soon changed it to Buckeye due to the importance of the canal to the town and surround area.

13. Thatcher

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 0.20
Property Crimes per 1,000: 20.99

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If you are seeking to live in the safest city in Arizona in terms of the lack of violent crime, you will want to consider the small town of Thatcher. Located in Graham County in southeastern part of the state just a few miles to the north of Mt. Graham, Thatcher features an estimated population of just 5,000 residents. The surrounding area is largely rural, making Thatcher extremely appealing to those who prefer open spaces as opposed to big-city living.

As with many of the towns in this part of Arizona, Thatcher has Mormon roots. The town was founded in the late 18th century by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The first official settler was a Mormon named John M. Moody, who arrived in Thatcher in 1881 with his family. Today, Thatcher is the home of Eastern Arizona College, primarily a two-year college that also features a nursing school. The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is also located in the Thatcher area.

14. Peoria

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.48
Property Crimes per 1,000: 20.03

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Peoria is a northern suburb of Phoenix. With an estimated 167,000 inhabitants, Peoria ranks as the ninth-largest city in Arizona in terms of population. Peoria also encompasses 178 square miles, making it the sixth-largest Arizona city in terms of land and water mass. While most of Peoria lies in the Salt River Valley, the northern portions extend into the surrounding mountains. In 2008, Peoria had the distinction of making Money magazine’s list of the Top 100 Places to Live in the United States.

Peoria was named for the city of Peoria, Illinois. In the late 1800s, several of what would become Peoria’s original settlers were recruited from Illinois to help establish a community near the newly constructed Arizona Canal. The construction of a spur line of the Santa, Prescott and Phoenix Railroad in Peoria near the end of the 19th century helped to fuel the town’s growth. These days, Peoria is rapidly becoming known as a resort and leisure community that attracts retirees from the nearby northeast valley, as well as from the colder climates in the U.S.

15. Lake Havasu City

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.66
Property Crimes per 1,000: 20.97

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Lake Havasu City rests upon the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, a large reservoir on the Arizona-California border created by the construction of Parker Dam on the Colorado River. Unlike many Arizona cities that trace their roots to the Old West, Lake Havasu City offers a more recent history. The city started as an Army Air Corps rest camp during the World War II era. The subsequent acquisition of 13,000 acres of federal land surrounding Lake Havasu in the 1950s led to the further development of the city.

Today, Lake Havasu City boasts an estimated population of approximately 53,000 residents. A prominent feature in the area is the old London Bridge that spans a portion of the Colorado River. The bridge was purchased from the city of London in 1968 when it was removed to enable the construction of a new bridge. Lake Havasu City is a popular destination for college students on spring break due its abundance of beachfront resorts and other activities geared toward the university crowd. The city’s youthful vibe also makes it one of the best places to live for young adults.

16. Wickenburg

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 2.40
Property Crimes per 1,000: 21.48

Wickenburg16

Wickenburg lies about 65 miles to the northwest of Phoenix. Billing itself as an authentic Western town, Wickenburg takes pride in its rich culture and history. With its relatively remote location and small population of approximately 6,600 residents, Wickenburg ranks as one of the best cities to live in Arizona for those who are for a laidback lifestyle, while still having easy access to a major metropolitan area. When you come to Wickenburg, you can expect to find plenty of horses, hats, history and hospitality.

The Arizona gold rush of the mid-1860s provided the impetus for the founding of Wickenburg. A German prospector named Henry Wickenburg made the long journey from his homeland to Arizona in hopes of striking gold. Wickenburg’s efforts were successful: His Vulture Mine in the Vulture Mountains ultimately produced more than $30 million in gold. While the nearby town that sprung up during the gold rush bears Wickenburg’s name to this day, it wasn’t until the post-World War II era that the community was developed into a modern American town.

17. Chandler

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 1.85
Property Crimes per 1,000: 22.36

Chandler17

Although Chandler is technically a suburb of Phoenix, it is a large, thriving American city in its own right. Chandler’s estimated population of 254,276 makes it the fourth-largest city in Arizona and 78th largest in the United States. This represents a significant growth since the 2010 census, when the population was listed as 236,123. Thus, Chandler epitomizes the tremendous expansion that is prevalent throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Chandler has much to offer in terms of economic opportunity, making it one of the best places to live for millennials, young professionals and anyone else seeking career growth. Many major companies have headquarters and satellite campuses in the Chandler area, including Intel, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Verizon Wireless, to name a few. Much of the job growth has occurred along the so-called South Arizona Avenue Corridor, an area of the city spanning between Arizona Avenue and Gilbert Road. Since 2003, nearly 3,000 jobs have been created in this area alone.

18. Prescott Valley

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 2.20
Property Crimes per 1,000: 23.18

prescottAZ

Prescott Valley is located in central Arizona about 90 miles due north of the Phoenix metro area. With an estimated population of about 42,000, Prescott Valley ranks as the 24th-largest city in Arizona. Prescott Valley’s elevation is approximately 5,100 feet above sea level, making it among the best cities in Arizona for those who prefer mountain living over the desert. Prescott National Forest, located just 10 minutes away, offers ample opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating and camping.

The discovery of gold along Lynx Creek in 1863 caused many people to flood to the Prescott Valley area. The region, which was formerly known as Lonesome Valley, was eventually settled by ranchers during the 1880s, who supplied beef to the miners and other settlers in the area. The 1890s saw the development of the first hydraulic gold mining operation in Lynx Creek Canyon, which was followed by a gold dredging operation in the 1930s. The modern Prescott Valley economy consists of a mixed bag of manufacturing, industrial, service and retail businesses.

19. Camp Verde

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 3.26
Property Crimes per 1,000: 26.69

camp verde

Camp Verde is yet another rural, picturesque small town in Arizona that is also steeped in history and tradition. Located about 90 miles north of Phoenix near the historic Montezuma Castle National Monument and Fort Verde State Historic Park, Camp Verde is a favorite tourist destination. However, the small population of about 11,000 and beautiful mountain setting makes Camp Verde one of the best cities to live in Arizona for families and individuals who want to get away from it all.

Camp Verde is known for its numerous festivals held throughout the year. The Camp Verde Cornfest has been a popular annual summer event since 1991 and offers much in the way of food, music and family entertainment. Other yearly events that draw plenty of visitors include October’s Fort Verde Days, the June Crawdad Festival and the February Pecan, Wine and Antiques Festival.

20. Payson

Violent Crimes per 1,000: 3.61
Property Crimes per 1,000: 24.68

Payson

Payson is located in the virtual geographical center of the state, about 90 miles northeast of Phoenix. The drive from the Phoenix area to Payson along Route 87 is renowned for its scenic beauty. Payson is nestled between the Tonto National Forest and Mazatzal Wilderness area, making it the ideal spot for outdoorsmen. The Mogollon Rim, which forms the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau, is located just north of Payson and features many cold-water lakes that are popular fishing destinations.

Payson’s estimated population is 15,245, which actually represents a slight decrease from the 2010 census figure. Payson is known for its rural Western culture. A popular event is the annual Arizona State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest, which attracts prominent fiddle players from across the United States. Payson also stages multiple rodeo events each year. Doin’s Rodeo, which takes place every August, is known as the world’s oldest continuous rodeo. The Tonto Apache Indian Reservation sponsors the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo each May.

Here are the remaining Arizona cities:

21. Nogales 22. St. Johns 23. El Mirage
24. Mesa 25. Prescott 26. Chino Valley
27. Eloy 28. Apache Junction 29. Quartzsite
30. Pinetop-Lakeside 31. Casa Grande 32. Yuma
33. Bullhead City 34. Phoenix 35. Williams
36. Coolidge 37. Flagstaff 38. Tempe
39. Kingman 40. Holbrook 41. Globe
42. Page 43. Tolleson 44. South Tucson

Is it Safe Where You Live?

No matter where you live, feeling safe in your house and home will bring greater peace of mind for you and your family. Even if your city is on our list, Titan Alarm still recommends that you add extra security to your home with a monitored home security system from Titan Alarm. To learn more about home security services that we offer, give us a call 602-680-4567 or contact us today!

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

5 Myths of Fire Sprinkler System Corrosion

Corrosion in fire sprinkler systems are always a property or business owner’s absolute worse night mare. As corrosion occurs in pipes, overtime leaks may pop up unexpectedly, this leaves property and business owners at a loss, looking for the right answers.

As you search for answers, it’s imperative that you find the right high quality answers, that can scientifically educate you on what happens to your fire sprinkler systems, and educate you on choosing the right company for your fire sprinkler inspection and maintenance needs.

There are so many myths out there all surrounding corrosion, which could incorrectly influence your decisions to act on responses to fixing the system.

We’ve put together a few myths, and truths, for you to educate yourself and make the right decisions when it comes to your fire sprinkler systems.

Myth #1

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is the primary cause of pin-hole leaks in fire sprinkler systems. False.

Oxygen is actually the main cause of corrosion. Oxygen will expel metals from the walls of the systems piping and will then produce solid waste. Bacteria has been regularly found inside fire sprinkler systems, but there is no correlation between bacterial contamination and leaks from corrosion.

Bacteria makes up less than 10% of all pin-hole leaks.

bacteria

Myth #2

The entire system must be replaced once pin-hole leaks are found on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, fire sprinkler systems are removed and replaced completely when most of the piping isn’t damaged by corrosion. Oxygen corrosion is always extremely localized. Corrosion happens in trapped air pockets in a wet fire sprinkler system, and it also occurs in pools of trapped water in dry and pre action fire sprinkler systems. Keep yourself and your wallet happy, by merely removing and replacing the piping that has been effected by corrosion.

corrosion2

Myth #3

Bad water causes fire sprinkler system leaks. False. 

Although water chemistry varies throughout the country, but most of the water that is supplied to fire systems is normally very fresh and clean. Fire System’s water source is normally from a municipal water supply.

 

dirtywater

Myth #4

Galvanized steel works better than black steel to slow corrosion. False.

Galvanized steel for dry pipe fire sprinkler systems can start leaking 3x to 4x faster than black steel.

Black steel pipe can disperse oxygen corrosion. Helping slow corrosion.

piping

Myth #5

The fire sprinkler piping and fittings quality has dropped. False.

Defects from manufacturers are very rare. The quality of the fitting and piping being used today surpasses American Society for Testing and Materials standards. Corrosion is rarely the result of defective piping. It is the exposure to different temperatures and the exposure to oxygenated water that creates quickened attack at the weld seams.

To Sum It Up.

Oxygen causes most of the major issues, when it comes to corrosion in the fire sprinkler systems. The amounts of oxygen that’s introduced to the fire sprinkler piping has a direct impact with the timing of corrosion.

YOU CAN SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS!

Contacting Titan Alarm today can help you in the long haul, let us assist you with the preparation and combat of stopping and slowing corrosion in your fire sprinkler systems. Give us a call today 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Fire Sprinkler Corrosion

Corrosion is one of the most common causes of malfunctioning fire sprinklers and often causes a failing fire sprinkler inspection . When there is Oxygen present in the pipes running along the building for the fire sprinkler system, it can have chemical reactions with water and the metal that makes up the piping, and when it solidifies it can corrode.

Corrosion in Fire Sprinkler Systems

Oxygen can dissolve naturally into water. In a normal 1000 gallon fire sprinkler system, any and all oxygen that’s confined inside the pipes of the system will be absorbed. Shockingly it only takes up to 30 days for the dissolved oxygen to produce 34 pounds of solid materials. In any wet fire sprinkler system, the solids can sink down into low spots and begin to cause corrosion. If there is ever fresh oxygen that is then introduced into the system, the corrosion process can begin again, adding more and more solids into the fire sprinkler system. Dry fire sprinkler systems and pre-action systems are not immune to the problems caused by corrosion as well. Corrosion is actually more common in dry sprinkler systems due to the oxygen rates being substantially higher. Moisture gets into the dry systems from testing and or condensation and then interacts with the iron inside the piping causing corrosion.

 

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Agents that Catalyst Corrosion

These are the five primary causes that can speed up the corrosion process:

• When there is Oxygen introduced into the sprinkler piping, the oxygen dissolves into the water, and it causes instant metal loss.

• Solids that are created from reactions that have been listed above, cause corrosion to become more aggressive.

• When piping is removed, it allows a new location for oxygen to attack.

• When a wet systems are drained and then refilled with water, inevitably a fresh source of oxygen is then introduced in the system.

• When temperatures change and air falls below the dew point, water condenses into small drops, speeding up corrosion.

 

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Solids and Bacteria

Bacteria exists in water naturally, which is something that can’t be changed. This leads many people to believe that bacteria is the responsible party for corrosion. While it does happen the bacteria is almost always the secondary cause for corrosion.

Oxygen is almost always the primary cause of corrosion in a fire sprinkler system.

Want to learn more about corrosion in fire sprinkler systems in Phoenix? You can learn more and find proactive ways to handle corrosion by contacting Titan Alarm today.

Give us a call at 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Sprinkler System Maintenance

After you finish your routine maintenance and inspections with Titan Alarm, you may believe that you are completely set and compliant with fire codes. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Fire sprinkler testing needs to occur outside of the normal annual, and quarterly, testing and inspections.

Building owners and facilities managers need to be alert and aware as to the age of the buildings they own and manage, and the age of the sprinklers and sprinkler systems that are all installed.

A lot of the time, there aren’t going to be any visual signs that the sprinkler systems are not working properly or need to be tested. This makes it necessary for the building owners to know their sprinkler systems and know all of the codes set in place.

As a building owner, something you need to look for on sprinkler systems and the sprinkler heads is corrosion, damage or large amounts of dust on the sprinkler systems. All of the above can really impact the way that the sprinklers function. Outside of the regular annual and monthly sprinkler inspections, all of the sprinkler heads have different code requirements for testing.

All of the standards that have been set by the NFPA vary depending all on the type and ages of the sprinklers and heads.

Different types of sprinkler heads:

Extra high – These sprinkler heads need to be tested every five years. This is not a common sprinkler head and is often used in ovens or heat treating areas.

• Quick response – This is the most common type of sprinkler head. Following installation, fast-response sprinkler heads do not need to be tested for 20 years. After the initial test, these heads are required to be tested every 10 years.

• Standard – This type of sprinkler head needs to be tested 50 years after installation and then every 10 years following the first test.

• Dry pendent – These sprinkler heads need to be tested every 10 years.

According to NFPA 25 standards, a minimum of four sprinklers or at least one percent of all sprinklers in the building, must be tested. If the building uses multiple types of sprinklers, such as dry, wet or pre-action, then at least one percent of each type of sprinkler must be tested.

For testing and inspection of sprinkler heads and sprinkler systems in the Phoenix, AZ area, call Titan Alarm today, 602-680-4567 or fill out an online form on the website and a customer service representative will be in contact.

Learn More About Service & Maintenance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Do You Know Your Sprinkler System?

As the owner of a building or a facilities manager, the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system may not always be the most pressing priority in your mind, but the systems are very important and it is imperative to be able to understand the basic ins and outs of your sprinkler system. When situations arise, you need to be prepared to take care of the problem and the easiest way is to make sure that you’re working with a professional company that specializes in Fire Systems and Sprinkler Systems.

Although a provider like Titan Alarm is needed for fire sprinkler testing, inspection, installation, and maintenance, it still comes down to being the building owner’s responsibility to make sure the sprinkler system and fire alarm system is functioning up to code, so hiring Titan Alarm helps you stay up to code with our routine maintenance and inspection plans.

Part of the knowledge you need to know as a building owner is knowing what type of system or systems that you have installed in the buildings and facilities, where they are all housed at, and when the most recent testing, inspection and maintenance was performed.

Building owners and facilities managers need to be referring to the NFPA 25, Chapter 4 for a full guide to the responsibilities of owner’s and facilities managers in referral to their sprinkler systems.

There’s a few major points from the NFPA 25 Ch. 4 to pay attention to:

•Make sure you file and know where to locate all of your previous inspection’s paperwork, so that if there is a visit from the fire marshal, it will all be able to go smoothly. If paperwork cannot be found, contact Titan Alarm today to have a technician come out to your facility and be able to do a full inspection and provide you with the required documentation.

•If the building’s usage and functionality changes, it is the building owner’s responsibility to make sure that there are proper sprinkler systems installed for the new codes that are applicable to the new business. If the building owner is unsure of the current codes and requirements that are needing to be met call Titan Alarm today.

•After professional fire sprinkler inspections and testing services are finished and performed, it is the building owner’s responsibility to fix any and all impairments and flaws that are recorded in the documents from the inspection. After any inspection, if any repairs or replacements are needed, the Titan Alarm technician will make sure to go over all options with the building owner.

To have a Titan Alarm professional technician come out and conduct a test and inspection on your current fire alarm system and sprinkler system, give Titan Alarm a call today at 602-680-4567 or fill out one of the forms on the website and someone will be in contact!

Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Fire Extinguisher Inspections

If you’re a business owner in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert or Peoria area, then it’s extremely important that you follow the guidelines for fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance that are set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA has set guidelines to help business owners, employees and customers stay safe and protected in the event of a fire.

One of the first guidelines that the NFPA has in place, is they require a monthly fire extinguisher inspection which luckily you’re able to do on your own. While all of these steps and checklists are important for making sure your fire extinguishers stay ready and properly functioning, they are definitely not a substitute for having professional maintenance done on your extinguishers. The NFPA also requires your business to have annual professional fire extinguisher inspections.

Believe it or not, an annual fire extinguisher inspection doesn’t include testing the fire extinguishers on your premises. That would actually needlessly waste the contents of the extinguisher and if there’s a fire, you may want the fluids that were used during testing to put out the rest of the fire.

The NFPA recommends testing the extinguishers once every 5 to 12 years, depending on the fire extinguishers you have for your properties.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Checklist

When hiring a professional technician to conduct the fire extinguisher inspections, the technicians from Titan Alarm will do the following:

  1. The technician will verify that a fire extinguisher is placed within 75 feet of travelling, on every floor in the building and facilities.
  2. Technicians will also verify that a fire extinguisher is placed within 30 feet of equipment in a commercial restaurant or industrial kitchen.
  3. Technicians will ensure that there are fire extinguishers conspicuously placed, not hidden behind objects and that they are ready to be used in case of a fire.
  4. Technicians will make sure that the labels indicating the types of fire extinguishers are all legible so that there is no confusion as to which extinguisher is needing to be used.
  5. Technicians will go and check the pressure dials and make sure the dials are all easily read and pointing to the green area indicating the the extinguisher has a full charge.
  6. The technician will also make sure that the hoses of the fire extinguishers are all intact and not brittle and falling apart.
  7. The pull pin will also be checked to make sure it is securely fastened and that the tamper seal is not broken.
  8. Technicians will check the extinguisher’s body for any damage, dents or cracks.
  9. They will finally check for any modifications to the extinguisher that could possibly limit the fire extinguisher’s operation.

Fire Extinguisher Inspections In Phoenix, Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ

Make sure you check the dates on the tags hanging on the fire extinguishers around your premises. If the tags show that more than a year had passed since you had the last inspection of your fire extinguishers, then waste no more time and call Titan Alarm today!

Give us a call at 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Testing & Inspection

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs Maintenance

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs

One of the worst times to realize your emergency lighting isn’t working is during a power outage or emergency when it’s actually needed. With proper testing and inspection you’ll be able to rely on the fact that your emergency signs and lighting are all functioning properly. The minimum time that is required to keep the lighting working in an emergency situation is 90 minutes, that way during the time that the signs and lighting are illuminated people can evacuate the building and premises safely and efficiently. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you have your emergency lighting and exit signs inspected and maintained.

During your inspection, testing and maintenance of your emergency lighting and exit signs, a Titan Alarm technician will make sure to inspect all of the units in your building and premises, and make sure the lights are all working when they are needed in an emergency or power outage. Each of the units that are being tested, will be trigged to their emergency stages, to check that all of the lighting and signs are functioning for 90 minutes.

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Codes and Standards 

Every business and their premises need to abide by certain codes and regulations set by the local, state and federal government. All of these requirements will affect different areas of a business, things like accessibility, environment and systems, and more for different businesses. The International Building Code or best known as IBC for short, sets most standards for buildings. Not every building and business though, is required to listen to every rule and code the IBC sets.

 

The International Building Code and National Fire Protection

Many of the standards that the IBC has in place have to do with fire safety and prevention for businesses. With such a large focus on fire safety and prevention, it shows just how important it is to maintain and have your systems checked and inspected regularly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets all of the standards for fire safety related practices.

The National Electric Code, also known as the NFPA 70 is the code that requires you to make sure that the emergency lighting and exit lights are all under a specific type and code, to make sure they are all functioning properly.

The NFPA rules, codes and regulations do require you to make sure you regularly keep a certain level and standard of different safety measures. The codes also require you to keep your emergency lighting and exit signage in fully operational and functional.

 

NFPA 101 and What You Need To Do

The Life Safety Code, or also known as the NFPA 101 is by far one of the most important codes your business and premises need to follow. Part of this code requires that you have a monthly inspection done of your business’s emergency lighting and exit signs. Requiring that each unit be tested for a minimum of at least 30 seconds.

Titan Alarm wants to help you and your business be compliant with the NFPA codes and local, state and federal regulations for the safety of your business and it’s employees. To get in touch with a Titan Alarm technician give us a call today and we can set an appointment to have a technician out on your premises.

Learn More About Testing & Inspection

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Required Testing of Emergency Exit Lighting

Most of the emergency lighting that is installed in businesses are lighting devices that contain a battery and are simply powered. These devices are also connected to the electrical supply of the building to help keep the battery inside the lighting charged and ready to go if there is a power failure. In the emergency event of there being a power outage, the emergency lighting is then activated so that the occupants of the building are able to see their way around to be able to exit. Most emergency lighting is only able to stay lit for around 90 minutes, which is the minimum required time by law.

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs

Exit signs that are lit from the inside operate in the same way as most emergency lights. Many of them have multiple sets of light bulbs because they constantly stay on. One set of the lights that is on most of the time operates at 110 volt electricity which is what the building has hardwired into it. The second set of lighting only comes on when there is a power failure. Which unfortunately means that signs that look like they are working properly, may actually have the secondary bulbs burnt out and you may not even know.

In large buildings like hospitals and schools, emergency power for the exit signs and emergency lighting is normally powered by an emergency electricity generator. When testing these emergency lighting, the emergency generator is normally tested as well. Which is normally done by either maintenance of the building, or by trained professionals who know the ins and outs of emergency lighting and electricity.

exitsign

What type of testing does code require?

Fire codes require that all emergency lighting and exit signs need to be inspected, tested and maintained at least once a month. The testing of the signs must include at least a thirty second test of the emergency lighting.

An annual testing and inspection is also required by law, the emergency lighting must also be operated on emergency power for a minimum of ninety minutes. Records that document the testing being done, must be maintained and reviewed by the Fire Marshal or your insurance company.

How do I test them?

Most emergency lighting and exit signs have a “test” button on the outside casing. You can push and use this button for thirty seconds to go and test the emergency bulbs and the back up battery power. This method works well if you have a smaller building with only a handful of signs and lighting, but if you have a large facility you need to contact Titan Alarm to have our professional technicians to come out and test all of the lighting and signage across your campus and facilities.

When testing the exit signs of your buildings you need to check and see if all of your signs are properly lit when in a normal power mode.

When running your annual inspection of your exit signs and emergency lighting make sure you call Titan Alarm and set up an appointment to have one of our trained and experienced professionals to come out to your facilities to run the testing for you.

Key Tips For Testing Emergency Lighting

When it comes to testing and inspecting your emergency exit signs in your commercial facilities, there are only two main components to check to make sure that your emergency signs and lighting are fully operational. Light Bulbs and Batteries. These are the priority to be inspected and tested during routine maintenance on your facilities. National fire code requires that all of your facility’s emergency lighting and signage be inspected at a minimum of once a month.

There are different models of signage and lighting, some of them will have two different sets of light bulbs that need to be checked during your monthly tests as well. One of the sets runs on the buildings 110v power and the other runs on low voltage in case of a power failure. These lower voltage light bulbs run off of the built in reserved battery. Unfortunately, a sign that looks like it’s working, may actually fail if there’s a power outage because the low voltage light bulbs have burned out.

Just like the lighting, many of the batteries maintain just enough of a charge to keep the bulbs lit for only a few seconds after being triggered in an emergency. If you don’t go through and test the reserve batteries for a minimum of thirty seconds, you might find out that the lights work every month only to realize that they go out when you need them the most. By testing the lighting for at least another thirty seconds, you can make sure that your batteries don’t only have a misleading surface charge left on them.

Annual testing of emergency signs is a standard code requirement also. This also involves running the lighting under emergency power for a full minimum of required testing of thirty minutes. Documents showing that all of the testing has been maintained need to be available for review in case a fire inspector requests to see them.

To test your emergency lighting, use the “push to test” button on the outside of the light’s housing. Press and hold this button for thirty seconds to test the light bulbs and the batteries to make sure they are functioning properly. If the lights dim instantly or the bulbs are not working, it’s time for some replacements and repair.

For larger facilities that have a lot of devices, or for the annual test, find your circuit breaker or fuse box that supplies your emergency lights power. Turn off the circuit breaker of the facility and make sure all of the lights are functioning through the testing period. If there is other equipment that uses the same circuit, make sure that nothing will get damaged by the interruption.

If you need help doing your monthly inspections, contact Titan Alarm today! Give us a call today 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Testing & Inspection

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.