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    Category: Fire Safety

    Data Center Fire Prevention Tips

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    A computer room, or data center, serves as the “nerve center” for many businesses these days. A fire in this area of your facility could destroy your expensive computer equipment — as well as the vital data it processes and stores. The resulting downtime and the loss of mission-critical information could have devastating consequences for your operation.

    The following prevention tips can minimize your risk of a data center fire:

    • Manage the paper clutter: Don’t make your computer room a repository for stacks of paper documents or other combustible materials. If you print a lot of documents, keep the paper flow moving through and out of the room instead of creating large piles.
    • Inspect power cords: If yours is like most data centers, it’s full of power cords that connect all your computer equipment. Check the condition of the cords periodically and replace those that are worn or frayed.
    • Implement good housekeeping practices: Dust can accumulate on and around your computer equipment, which poses a significant fire hazard. Make sure your office cleaning protocols include regular cleaning and dust removal for your computers, servers, printers, copiers, etc.
    • Institute a fire response plan: Be certain the room has at least one fire extinguisher and provide training for your employees on how to use it. Integrate an escape route from the room into your facility’s fire evacuation plan.
    • Install a fire protection system: While you may have a sprinkler system in other areas of your building, water-based fire sprinklers are not a wise choice for a data center — water can damage your sensitive electronic equipment. A clean agent fire suppression system is a better option for a computer room environment.
    • Schedule regular fire inspections: A timely inspection of your company’s fire prevention systems will verify that your building is fully protected against the possibility of a fire. It will also ensure compliance with local fire codes — and give you peace of mind.

    Contact Titan Alarm for All Your Business Fire Protection Needs

    As a full-service fire protection solutions provider in Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson, AZ, you can count on Titan Alarm, Inc. for the best commercial fire prevention systems in the region, as well as comprehensive inspection/testing services. Contact us to learn more today.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Common “Unknown” Home Fire Safety Pitfalls

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    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 hazards 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.
    • 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
    • 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.

    Learn More About Testing & Inspection

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    How to Teach Your Kids About Fire Safety

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    What You to Need Know About Fire System Tests and Inspections

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    fire-system-testing-and-inspection

    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 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.

    Learn More About Testing & Inspection

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Moving Checklist: Fire Safety & Home Security

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    fire-safety-and-home-security

    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.
    • 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.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    20 Ways to Fireproof a New Home

    Posted on by Titan Alarm

    fireproof-your-home

    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.

    Learn More About Fire Alarm Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    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.

    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

    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.

     

    blogs

     

    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.

     

    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.

    Learn More About Fire Sprinkler Systems

    Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

    Sprinkler System Maintenance

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    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?

    Posted on by Mike Proudfit

    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.

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