Fire Prevention

Fire service faces challenges in dealing with unwanted fire alarms

NFPA Reduce Unwanted Fire Alarms

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs IAFC) released the Fire Service Guide to Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarms, a free 17-page downloadable PDF document that offers guidance to members of the fire service to reduce unwanted fire alarms. It is available through NFPA's catalog at www.nfpacatalog.org/redgd.

Restoration Local Offers Tips on the Handling and Prevention of Electrical Fires During Severe Weather

Restoration Local Prevention of Electrical Fires

Cleveland OH (PRWEB) June 15, 2012 -- Restoration Local, one of the leading providers of water restoration services in the country, is warning property owners against the dangers of electrical fires and other related hazards during severe weather events. Electrical problems can occur during severe weather and continue even after the storm has passed in the form of downed power lines, saturated electrical equipment, and misuse of portable generators.

As is always the case with any type of severe weather, safety should always be the top priority, with appropriate measures taken before, during, and after a storm to prevent injury or damage to life and property. Restoration Local recommends and endorses the following procedures:

UTC Climate, Controls & Security Sells Its Fire and Security Branch Operations in the U.S.

United Technologies

FARMINGTON, Conn., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), has closed on the sale of its fire and security branch operations in the U.S. to Comvest Investment Partners, a private equity fund of the Comvest Group. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed. UTC Climate, Controls & Security is a leading provider of integrated building solutions, including heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, building controls and automation, and fire and security systems.

This business, with approximately $250 million in sales, 1,350 employees and 40 locations, was formed as a result of a roll-up of Red Hawk and a dozen other small U.S.-based businesses over the last several years.

"UTC Climate, Controls & Security is strategically reviewing its fire and security portfolio to focus on businesses with industry leadership, large scale and higher returns," said Geraud Darnis, president & CEO, UTC Climate, Controls & Security. "With this transaction, the U.S. fire and security branch network will be able to strengthen its operations and enhance its growth profile by taking advantage of Comvest's deep experience in the industry." 

Valley Fire Protection Acquires Assets of Old World Plumbing, Inc.

Valley Fire Protection

Batavia, IL (PRWEB) March 20, 2012 -- Valley Fire Protection is pleased to announce that, effective today, it has acquired the assets of Saint Charles, Illinois-based Old World Plumbing, Inc.

“We are very excited to add the Old World name, personnel and equipment to the Valley family,” said Valley Fire CEO Tom Hartel. “We believe that Old World’s traditional customer base will find that Old World is as good as ever — if not even better — in coming weeks and months. And we expect Valley Plumbing’s traditional customers to be delighted by the top-notch service and new technologies that Old World will bring to them.”

Old World Plumbing has a sterling reputation, as evidenced by its Better Business Bureau accreditation and the glowing reviews it has received on Angie’s List. Old World was founded eight years ago, but former Old World owners Derek Cepolski and Jeremy Shouse have decades of plumbing experience that they will be bringing to Valley as they relocate to Valley’s Batavia headquarters. These two experienced, entrepreneurial plumbers will head up the expanded Old World Plumbing team.

Atlas Plumbing & Rooter, a San Francisco Plumbing Contractor, is Offering a Special on The Little Firefighter Safety Valve

Atlas Plumbing & Rooter

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) December 08, 2011 -- San Francisco plumbing contractor, Atlas Plumbing & Rooter is offering a special on a feature that just might save lives and property. Known as “The Little Fire Fighter,” the installation of an earthquake shut off valve can prevent a gas leak during a tremor.

San Franciscans know that the region is overdue for the next big earthquake. Precautions are taken every day and this $299 investment can prove priceless because it could save lives and property.

Christmas tree fires likely to be more serious than average home fires

NFPA Safe Holidays

NEW YORK, NY December 4, 2011 – Festive lighting, windowsill candles and ornamented Christmas trees are staples of the holidays, but these decorative items also pose a fire risk if handled improperly. In 2005-2009, on average, one of every 18 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 141 total home fires.

Holiday lights and other decorative lighting were involved in an estimated average of 150 home fires per year during the same time. These fires caused an average of eight civilian deaths, 14 injuries, and $8.5 million in direct property damage per year.

Gas furnace and fireplace safety tips from CSA International

CLEVELAND, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - As nights become longer and colder, many people will spend more time indoors with family and friends. Furnaces and fireplaces are often the go-to sources to keep homes warm and cozy. Before blasting the heat, remember the importance of conducting routine inspections and maintenance of your gas heating appliances for the upcoming winter months. Fall is a prime time to do this.

Subscribe to Fire Prevention