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    Category: Fire Safety

    Common “Unknown” Home Fire Safety Pitfalls

    Posted on by Taylor

    The safety of your family is a top priority. But when it comes to fire prevention, you might not be doing everything possible to prevent a potentially devastating blaze from occurring. Here are a few of the more common, but frequently overlooked home fire safety pitfalls you might not be aware of:

    • Allowing Clutter near the Stove:

      Approximately 40 percent of home fires start in the kitchen, with unattended cooking being the biggest culprit. However, excessive clutter is another “hidden” cause of kitchen fires. For example, some folks inadvertently place paper items such as recipe cards or paper towels too close to the stove. As a rule of thumb, keep any combustible products at least three feet away from the stovetop.

    Kitchen Hood

    • Cleaning the Clothes Dryer Improperly:

      Most of know that a buildup of lint in the clothes dryer poses a significant fire danger. While many homeowners clean the dryer’s lint trap after each use, they may neglect to remove lint from inside or behind the unit. Lint that accumulates near the dryer’s heating element can ignite and cause a fire.

    • Letting Sawdust Buildup:

      If you have a home workshop in your basement, the sawdust produced when cutting wood can accumulate on surfaces and potentially ignite — even a thin layer that is difficult to see can catch fire. A standard household vacuum cleaner is not intended to handle sawdust; use a model that’s designed to pick up combustible dust when cleaning these work areas.

    • Leaving Electrical Outlets Loose:

      Electrical outlets can loosen over time, especially if you plug and unplug items frequently. This can cause the blades inside the outlet to generate excessive heat that could cause a fire. If you have difficulty attaining a tight connection when plugging into an outlet, it’s time to consider replacing it.

    Fire Programming Panel

    • Keeping Outdated Appliances:

      That ancient coffeemaker, blender or space heater may still function properly, but it might not comply with updated fire safety codes. It may also contain frayed wires that pose a fire hazard.

    If you live in or around Phoenix or Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm can conduct a comprehensive safety inspection to help you uncover and address these and other hidden fire safety hazards. Contact us to learn more today.

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    Fire Drill Tips for Schools

    Posted on by Taylor

    school security system

    While many school systems these days are understandably focusing their safety training initiatives on how to respond to active shooter situations, fires still pose a significant risk. According to National Fire Protection Association statistics, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of nearly 5,000 structure fires per year in educational institutions from 2011-2015. In this blog post, we will talk about the fire drill tips for schools & the best practices they can take.

    How to Prepare Your School for a Fire?

    Fire drills are an essential component of fire safety in schools. Regular drilling trains students and staff members on how to evacuate the building promptly during a fire emergency. Elements of an effective fire drill program include:

    • Consistent Drilling:

      This is crucial for reinforcing the appropriate actions during a fire. According to NFPA guidelines, schools should stage drills once a month while school is in session. Schools located in areas with severe climates may drill less frequently based on the weather conditions.

    • Constant Awareness:

      It is impossible to anticipate when a fire will break out. Thus, it is important to hold drills during different times of the day and under varying conditions to ensure students and staff members are prepared for every contingency.

    • Accessible Plans of Escape:

      Every room in the building should have a fire evacuation map posted in a visible location. The map should indicate two escape routes in case one path is blocked or inaccessible.

    • Calm Procedures:

      Staff members should oversee the procession of students leaving the building and ensure they are moving in a quick, but orderly fashion. Rushing could cause a panic that leads to injuries.

    School Protects Students

    • Adequate Staffing and Planning:

      Students will special needs may need assistance during a fire drill. Designate a staff member or student “buddy” to be responsible for helping these individuals get out of the building safely.

    • School-wide Participation:

      Everyone must leave the building during a fire drill — no exceptions. Use student rosters to account for every student.

    • Clear plans:

      Once the students have exited the building, make sure they remain at a predetermined location until they are cleared to go back inside.

    Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide your Phoenix , or Tucson area school with a reliable fire alarm system that will enhance your safety efforts. Contact us for more information and to schedule a no-obligation fire safety consultation today.

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    Seven House Fire Prevention Tips

    Posted on by Taylor

    You might think that it will never happen to you, but a house fire can break out when you least expect it. According to National Fire Protection Association statistics, the average homeowner will experience five residential fires in their lifetime. Even more alarming, there is about a 10 percent chance that you or someone you know will be injured in a home-related fire incident.

    Fire Alarm

    The following tips can help you reduce your odds of becoming another household fire victim:

    1. Never leave cooking unattended and teach your children to stay away from the stove. More fires occur in the kitchen than any other areas of a home. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach in the kitchen.
    2. Regularly inspect all electrical cords for wear or fraying and replace any that show signs of damage. Don’t cover cords with rugs or carpeting.
    3. Consider consulting with a professional electrician regarding the capacity of your home’s electrical circuits. The modern home contains a host of electronic gadgets that can overload the electrical system and potentially cause a fire.
    4. Try to smoke outside whenever possible and properly extinguish and dispose of butts and ashes. Careless smoking is another leading cause of house fires, especially when people fall asleep while smoking in bed.
    5. Carefully follow the instructions for installing your dryer’s ventilation system. A surprising number of fires result from clothes dryers. Remove the lint from the trap after each cycle, and periodically clean the area under and behind the dryer.
    6. Have your home’s heating system inspected by a professional during the fall, just before the cold weather arrives. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including the regular changing of the unit’s filter.
    7. Avoid using older models of space heaters to supplement the main heating system. Many older models may not have all the safety features that are included with modern units. Keep the heater away from curtains, furniture, newspapers or other items that could easily ignite.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for more fire prevention tips for your Phoenix, Mesa– or Tucson, AZ-area home. We can also assist you in upgrading your fire prevention systems.

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    How to Teach Your Kids About Fire Safety

    Posted on by Taylor

    Many adults don’t know how to react when there’s a fire, so it’s hard to expect young children to know what to do when a blaze breaks out. But when you consider that fire is one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death among children, it’s hard to underestimate the importance of taking the time to teach kids fire safety. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare kids for fire events in your home.

    Educate Them About the Dangers of Fire

     A good time to instruct your kids about the potential dangers of fire is while using it around your home. For example, when building a fire in a fireplace or woodstove, alert them of the hazards of getting too close.

    Fire at Construction Sites

    If you’re cooking something on the stove, teach them to avoid touching the stovetop or grabbing the handles of pots and pans. Be sure to take an educational tone instead of attempting to scare them, as this could cause them to panic when a fire emergency occurs.

    Teach Kids What to Do If There’s a Fire

     A house fire may break out when you’re in a different room than your kids or when everyone is sleeping, so it’s imperative that your children know what to do without having to wait for an adult to guide them. Teach them to head outside as quickly as possible if they smell smoke or see something burning that shouldn’t be.

    Also, stress the importance of not going back inside to retrieve a stuffed animal or other cherished items. Train your kids to run to a neighbor’s home to ask for help, and if they have access to a cell phone, to call 911 right away.

    Develop and Practice an Escape Plan

     Having an escape plan will further prepare your kids for fire and increase the likelihood that they will know how to react during an emergency. Teach them the safest exit route based on where they are in your home. Staging a monthly fire drill will reinforce the plan and ingrain it in your kids’ minds.

    Emergency Lighting

    Take Steps to Make Your Home Safer

     You should also implement steps to “childproof” your home regarding fire safety. Do not leave matches or cigarette lighters within easy reach of your kids, and place fireguards around open fires and heating units.

    Instruct your kids not to play with toys near fireplaces or space heaters. Most of all, do not leave your children alone in any room where a risk of fire is present.

    Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for More Fire Safety Tips

    Titan Alarm has been helping homeowners minimize their fire risk for more than a decade. We can design and install a state-of-the-art fire/smoke alarm system to provide the early detection that can save lives if a fire breaks out. Contact us for more guidance on how to teach kids fire safety and to schedule a free in-home fire alarm system consultation today.

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    Uncommon Fire Hazards in the Home

    Posted on by Taylor

    Most people know that having faulty electrical wiring, leaving unattended food cooking on a stove or falling asleep while smoking in bed present serious fire hazards in a home. But you might not know about other less obvious risks.

    Fire Alarm

    Being aware of the following threats — and taking steps to eliminate them — can help to prevent a house fire that could destroy your property and endanger the lives of your family:

    • Animals:

      Household pets and other “uninvited” critters can pose serious home fire hazards. Dogs and cats can knock over candles or ashtrays containing smoldering cigarettes. Pets such as mice and rats can chew through electrical wires, which can ultimately lead to a fire.

    • Dust:

      Dust can accumulate in electrical sockets and near heat sources. Dust is flammable — one spark in a dusty area can quickly cause a fire. That’s just one more good reason to dust and vacuum on a regular basis.

    • Glass:

      Certain types of glassware can cause allow concentrated rays of sunlight to pass through. If the rays focus on paper or other flammable materials for an extended period of time, it could cause the materials to ignite. A safe practice is to keep all glassware away from direct sunlight.

    • Lint:

      Like dust, an accumulation of lint in dryer traps or behind the machine presents a significant home fire hazard. A good way to prevent a house fire is to clean out the lint traps after every dryer use. Also, have the dryer duct professionally cleaned as part of your regular ductwork cleaning and inspection service.

    • Oily rags:

      Oily rags that are commonly stored in garages, basements or sheds can produce heat that can cause a fire. A safe practice is to submerge oily rags in water and place them in a secure storage cabinet or container that is not exposed to heat or sunlight.

    • Pyrolysis:

      Pyrolysis is a type of decomposition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. A common example of pyrolysis in a household environment is a pile of firewood stored under direct sunlight or stack of lumber next to a furnace or woodstove. As the wood breaks down over time, it becomes combustible and can pose a home fire hazard.

    • Discarded/stored Batteries:

      One of the more uncommon fire hazards is the loose storage of unused household batteries, particularly 9-volt batteries that power home smoke detectors. When stored next to a metal object, it’s possible that a connection between the battery and the object could produce a fire. A safe practice is to keep unused batteries in their original package.

    Smoke Alarms Provide Excellent Protection Against All Types of Home Fire Hazards

    While it is virtually impossible to remove all fire hazards in a home, a state-of-the-art smoke and fire alarm system can provide the early detection that can save lives. If you reside in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can design and install an effective, affordable alarm system that will minimize your risk. Contact us for more information and to schedule an in-home consultation today.

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    What You to Need Know About Fire System Tests and Inspections

    Posted on by Taylor

    If you’re a commercial building owner or manager, then you’re probably familiar with the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, otherwise known as NFPA 72. This code lists the most current safety provisions regarding the installation, performance and testing of fire alarm and detection systems in a business establishment.

    Why Should You Have Your Fire Alarm Systems Inspected on a Regular Basis?

    Some business owners and business managers may wonder why they need to make the effort and bear the expense of having their alarm systems inspected. Why test fire alarms? Why inspect fire extinguishers? Here are just a few of the many important reasons:

    • It’s the law:

      Noncompliance with NFPA 72 can result in fines or imprisonment — or both.

    • Protecting lives:

      The failure to maintain an effective, properly operating fire alarm and detection system places the lives of your employees and customers at risk.

    • Complying with local fire codes:

      Regardless of where your establishment is located, NFPA 72 compliance is necessary to meet the requirements of fire and building inspectors.

    • Limiting liability exposure:

      If an injury or fatality occurs due to a fire at your property, you could be held legally liable if it is determined you did not take appropriate steps to maintain NFPA 72 compliance.

    • Rejection of insurance coverage:

      Per above, even if you have liability insurance coverage, your carrier is likely to reject your claim if you fail to provide adequate proof of an annual fire system inspection.

    Fire Systems

    Fire System Inspection Checklist

    To help building managers ensure compliance with fire system testing and inspection standards, the National Fire Prevention Association has developed an extensive checklist of items that require attention. Depending on the system component, it may require testing on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. A total of 23 components are included on the current fire alarm testing checklist:

    1. Control equipment for buildings connected to supervising station
    2. Control equipment for buildings not connected to supervising station
    3. Engine driven generator — central station facilities and fire alarm systems
    4. Engine-driven generator — public fire alarm reporting system
    5. Batteries — central station facilities
    6. Batteries — fire alarm systems
    7. Batteries — public fire alarm reporting systems
    8. Fiber-optic cable power
    9. Control unit trouble signals
    10. Conductors — metallic
    11. Conductors — nonmetallic
    12. Emergency voice/alarm communications equipment
    13. Retransmission equipment
    14. Remote annunciators
    15. Initiating devices
    16. Guard’s tour equipment
    17. Interface equipment
    18. Special hazard equipment
    19. Alarm notification appliances
    20. Off-premises transmission equipment
    21. Supervising station fire alarm systems — transmitters
    22. Special procedures
    23. Supervising station fire alarm systems — receivers

    Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Handle All Your Fire Alarm System Inspection and Testing Needs

    It is critical your fire alarm system inspection is conducted by a reputable, professional company. In addition to installing high-quality alarm systems, Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide reliable inspection and testing services for businesses throughout the Phoenix, AZ area. Contact us for more detailed information regarding the items on the NFPA 72 fire system inspection checklist and to schedule an inspection at your facility today.

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    Moving Checklist: Fire Safety & Home Security

    Posted on by Taylor

    There’s a lot to think about when moving into a new home, and one of the most important elements is your new home’s security. However, with all the attention on the details such as hiring a moving company and packing up your belongings, you might not have time to think about it.

    The following checklist provides tips for new homeowners that cover many of the home safety and security essentials:

    • Exterior Doors:

      All your exterior doors should have high-quality deadbolt locks. It’s also a good idea to have the locks changed — you never know if there are extra keys to the existing locks still floating around. If your new home has sliding glass doors, make sure they are equipped with at least one of the following: insertion pin lock, track lock, hinged door bar, wooden or metal dowel in the door track.

    • Garage Door:

      One of the most important tips for home security is to ensure your new home’s overhead garage door is equipped with an automatic opener, as this can prevent intruders from gaining access. Also be certain the main door as well as the door that leads from the garage into your home have top-quality deadbolt locks.

    Garage

    • Windows:

      Unlocked windows are a favorite entry point for burglars. Another essential security tip for new homebuyers is to make sure all windows are equipped with keyed locks. Also be certain the keys are easily accessible in case of an emergency.

    • Lighting:

      Your home’s front entrance should have sufficient lighting to allow you to easily identify nighttime visitors. Floodlights or motion sensor-controlled exterior lighting are an extremely effective intruder deterrent. Equipping the interior of your home with smart lighting technology that allows you to automatically turn the lights on and off at predetermined intervals is another reliable home security measure.

    • Fire Safety:

      Perhaps the most critical safety tip for home security is making sure your fire and smoke detection equipment is in good working order. You should have smoke detectors installed in the kitchen, hallways near bedrooms, at the top of all stairways and inside the garage. Additionally, place fire extinguishers in the kitchen, basement and garage. Another key safety feature is a monitored fire alarm system that will provide an immediate alert to first responders.

    • Home Security System:

      One last important tip for new homebuyers: If your new home has an outdated security system — or no security system at all — strongly consider having one installed before you move in. A state-of-the-art security system should include features such as strategically placed high-tech video surveillance cameras, motion sensors, access control devices and energy management solutions. Integrating these features with the implementation of smart technology allows you to control and monitor your security system on a 24/7 basis via smartphone app.

    We’re Here to Assist You With Your Home Security

    If you’re planning to move to the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm can handle all your home security needs. We offer a wide selection of security cameras, motion detectors, fire alarms and other security essentials. Contact us for more valuable moving tips for new house buyers and to schedule a no-obligation security consultation.

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    20 Ways to Fireproof a New Home

    Posted on by Taylor

    How to fireproof my house — that’s a common consideration for builders of new homes in the Phoenix area. The following tips can prove invaluable for learning how to fireproof your house and prevent a disaster from occurring:

    1. Instead of installing carpeting made of wool or synthetic materials, consider carpeting made from fire-resistant materials that can prevent a fire from spreading as quickly.
    1. When installing your appliances or other electronic devices, take care to avoid overloading the electrical wiring, as this can lead to short circuiting and subsequent fires.
    1. One of the best ways to fireproof a room used for storage such as a basement or attic is to avoid filling it with flammable “junk” such as newspapers, old clothes and boxes after you move in.
    1. Another question that homeowners sometime ask is “How do I fireproof my doors?” While many newer homes feature doors made from metal or other fire-resistant materials, you can also coat doors with fire-resistant paint.
    1. If you are buying brand-new furniture for your home, ask the store to coat it with fireproof chemicals. If you are bringing existing furniture, purchase and apply a fireproof spray.
    1. Don’t forget to fireproof your outdoor furniture as well, especially patio furniture in close proximity to barbecue grills or fire pits.
    1. Place fire extinguishers in as many rooms as possible, particularly “high-risk” rooms such as the kitchen, attic and basement.
    1. If you are installing a tile roof, choose interlocking materials free of cracks or openings that can allow burning embers to enter your home.
    1. Instead of building your home with wood, consider less combustible materials such as face brick, adobe, metal siding or concrete block.
    1. Avoid installing windows with single glazing. Double glazing with tempered glass offers a much more effective defense against fire.
    1. Ensure all bathroom, clothes dryer and kitchen vents include fire-rated assemblies and automatic backdraft dampers.
    1. Once you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to properly maintain your furnace. The simple act of replacing a clogged filter can significantly reduce your fire risk.
    1. A surprising number of fires are caused by accumulated lint in clothes dryers, so be sure to clean the lint trap after each load.
    1. Keep all indoor and outdoor candles within plain sight while burning. It is also a good idea to extinguish interior candles when leaving a room.
    1. Keep all recycling bins outside, especially during the hot summer months.
    1. Turn off any unused appliances prior to leaving your home, even for a short period of time.
    1. When setting up a barbecue grill, choose a flat spot located as far away as possible from trees and foliage.
    1. Never leave food cooking on the stove or in the oven unattended for any length of time.
    1. If you have children, be sure matches and cigarette lighters are kept out of reach.
    1. Last, but certainly not least, install an effective, reliable smoke detection and monitoring system.

    If your home is located in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact the experts at Titan Alarm to learn more about your fire system options.

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    5 Myths of Fire Sprinkler System Corrosion

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    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.

    Corrosion

    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.

    Dirty Water

    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.

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    Fire Sprinkler Corrosion

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    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.

    Fire Sprinkler System

    Agents that Catalyst Corrosion

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

    • When there oxygen is 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.

    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.

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