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Fire Prevention Week 2020

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week is October 4th -10th 2020. Every year, Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is recognized to educate the public about important fire safety matters. FPW has been sponsored by the NFPA since 1922 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Great Chicago Fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. By educating those around us about fire safety and prevention measures, we can prevent tragic fire accidents.

“Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

This year, the theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” Since cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, it is important to know some important actions that you can take to stay safe in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

Don’t Leave Your Cooking Unattended

When you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food, always stay in the kitchen. Even if you leave the kitchen for a short period of time, turn off the burner. It’s important to regularly check up on your food when you are simmering, backing, or roasting food. Always use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking and don’t cook when you have been consuming alcohol or are feeling drowsy.

Clear Your Cooking Area

You should try to keep anything that can catch fire including oven mitts, wooden utensils, and towels away from the stovetop. Setting kid-free zone of 3 feet around the stove can prevent injuries or fire accidents. Always clean up food and grease from your stovetop.

Prevent Kitchen Fires from Getting Out of Control

While cooking, you should always keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts, you should cover the pan and turn off the burner. You should not discharge a portable fire extinguisher into a grease fire. If you have a fire in your oven or microwave, you should keep the door closed and shut off the appliance.

Prevent Burns and Scalds

Some ways to prevent burns and scalds include turning pot handles away from the stove’s edge and keep hot food and liquids away from the table and counter edges. You should keep your appliance cords coiled and away from counter edges. Always keep your face away from the oven door when checking or removing food so heat or steam does not cause burns.

If you are interested in learning more about Fire Prevention Week and how you can participate, visit the NFPA’s website.

Service Your Fire Pump Before Cold Weather

Get Your Fire Pump Ready for Winter

Fire pumps are a necessary part of fire protection systems in applications where adequate water pressure and volume cannot be generated by the water supply. In these applications, fire sprinkler systems will not function properly if the fire pump is not working correctly. NFPA 25 requires regular service for fire pumps. Fire pumps should be inspected and tested on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis.

Fire Pump Inspections & Testing

Weekly: Every week, fire pumps should be visually inspected to make sure that all components seem to be in good condition and free from damage. Components that are visually checked include valves, gauges, fuel and oil levels, electrical systems, ventilation, and heating.

Monthly: Monthly tests of fire pump systems include no-flow tests where the pump is turned on to check that it works properly without running water through it.

Annually: Once a year, all fire pumps need a flow test performed to ensure that the pump is performing at the proper flow rate.

What Happens During an Annual Fire Pump Test?

During annual fire pump testing, hoses are hooked up to a fire pump and water runs through the pump and discharged through the hoses. While the pump is running, pressure readings are taken at various stages of the test. The results are compared to test results from previous years and factory specifications to make sure the fire pump is working the way that it should.

Get Fire Pump Serviced Before Cold Weather

The best time to perform annual fire pump testing is before the temperatures start to drop. Since an annual test requires flowing water, it is much easier to perform before winter comes. Fire pump testing is a complex procedure and must be performed by a qualified fire protection professional. If you have not yet gotten your annual fire pump test performed this year, you should schedule a service call with your fire protection contractor before winter comes.

WSFP Performs Fire Pump Testing

Do you need a fire pump test? Western States Fire Protection performs annual and monthly fire pump testing for facilities across the western half of the United States. We can provide inspections, testing and service for all your fire protection systems. If you are interested in scheduling a service call for your fire pump or other fire protection systems, contact us today!

Inspections & Service for Fire & Life Safety Systems

Life Safety System Inspection & Service

Taking care of your fire protection systems and life safety systems should always be a priority, even if your building is vacant. If you start to lapse on your inspections, you could face repercussions in the form of a damaged fire protection system, putting lives and safety at risk and receiving fines or other penalties. Staying current on inspections does not have to be difficult. Work with a professional fire protection company that can help you stay up to date on inspections.

What Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems Need to Be Inspected?

NFPA standards dictate which fire protection and life safety systems need inspections, testing and service and how frequently service is needed. NFPA 25 is the Standard for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, NFPA 72 dictates the testing and inspection of fire alarm systems and NFPA 101 provides the framework for life safety system inspections.

All of your fire protection and life safety systems should be inspected regularly including:

  • Fire alarm systems
  • Security systems
  • Fire sprinkler systems
  • Special hazard and clean agent systems
  • Backflow devices
  • Fire pumps
  • Fire hydrants
  • Kitchen hoods
  • Fire extinguishers

Fire Sprinkler System Inspection & Testing

Fire sprinkler systems should be inspected monthly, quarterly, annually and every five years. Sprinkler systems need to be tested quarterly, semiannually, annually and every 5 years. Sprinkler systems are one of the most important defenses that keep occupants and property safe from a fire so staying current on inspections and testing is very important.

Fire Pumps

Fire pumps provide higher pressure water flow for fire sprinkler and suppression systems and are essential for fire protection. Inspections and testing of fire pumps should be performed weekly, monthly and annually.

Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems require regular inspection, testing and service. Inspections of alarm systems are done weekly, monthly, semiannually and annually. Testing of alarm systems are done annually. Keeping up to date with alarm inspections and service gives you peace of mind that building occupants will have early warning to safely exit the building during an emergency.

Get Inspected with WSFP

Western States Fire Protection provides inspections, testing and service for all your fire protection and life safety systems. We provide inspections and testing as often as required as NFPA standards, local code, and insurance requirements. We have service contracts available so you can work with WSFP for all of your inspections, testing and service needs. Request a quote for an inspection today!

Wet vs. Dry Fire Sprinkler System: Which is More Effective?

Wet vs. Dry Fire Sprinkler System

One of the most important ways to make sure that your facility is protected is to have the proper sprinkler system that is designed to meet the needs of your application. Two common sprinkler systems that are installed in properties are wet pipe and dry pipe sprinkler systems.

Wet Pipe Sprinklers

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common form of fire sprinkler. This is the traditional type of fire sprinkler where the sprinkler pipes are filled with pressurized water that will immediately discharge when a fire occurs.

Pros:

Cons:

Dry Pipe Sprinklers

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water to prevent frozen and burst sprinkler pipes in areas with colder temperatures. The pressurized air in the sprinkler pipes prevents water from entering the pipes. When a fire is detected, the air pressure in the pipes is reduced and a valve opens to allow water to flow into the sprinkler pipes and extinguish the fire.

Pros:

  • Will not freeze in cold temperatures
  • Can be installed in addition to a wet system to protect colder environments

Cons:

  • More difficult to maintain
  • More expensive to install
  • Slightly longer response time during a fire

Install a Fire Sprinkler System with WSFP

Are you interested in installing a sprinkler system with Western States Fire Protection? We provide sprinkler design and installation for both wet and dry sprinkler systems. We can help you choose the right system to protect your cold, unheated facility. An automatic dry pipe sprinkler system may be the best solution for your fire protection needs.  Western States also provides inspections, testing and repairs for all types of fire sprinklers. WSFP has experience working with commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Contact us today to learn more about our fire sprinkler services.

Basic Components of Fire Alarm & Detection Systems

What Are the Basic Components of Fire Alarm & Detection Systems?

Fire alarm and detection systems are an essential part of the life safety system for any building. Whether you have a commercial, residential or industrial facility, it is important that all of the components of your fire alarm and detection system can work together to protect the lives of people within the facility. So, what are the components of a fire alarm system?

Basic Fire Alarm System Components

  • Fire alarm initiating devices
  • Fire notification devices
  • Fire alarm control panel
  • Primary power supply
  • Backup power supply

Fire Alarm Initiating Devices

The role of the alarm initiating devices in a fire alarm system is to activate the system when a fire occurs. There are two types of fire alarm initiating devices:

  • Manual initiating devices – These devices include pull stations, break glass stations or buttons that need to be manually activated by someone in the building when they identify a fire. Manual initiating devices need to be well marked and accessible to make it easy to identify and use.
  • Automatic initiating devices – automatic initiation devices trigger the fire alarm system automatically when a fire happens. These devices include heat, flame and smoke detection. When heat, flames or smoke is detected, the devices send a signal to a central control panel that activates the system.

Fire Notification Devices

The role of notification devices in an alarm system is to notify building occupants when a fire is detected. Some fire alarm notification devices include:

  • Bells
  • Strobes
  • Horns
  • Chimes

Fire Alarm Control Panel

The fire alarm control panel is the central hub of the fire alarm and detection system. The control panel acts as the brain of the alarm system by monitoring and managing the initiation devices. When an initiation device is triggered, a signal is sent to the control panel and the control panel activates the notification devices. The status of the system is displayed on the control panel and allows you to see when an issue is detected and allows you to control it manually.

Primary Power Supply

The primary power supply for your fire alarm system is supplied by your power company. The primary power supply is typically 120- or 240-volt AC power sources.

Backup Power Supply

In the event of a power failure, the fire alarm system still needs to work in order to alert people if a fire occurs. A backup power supply is an important part of any fire alarm and detection system. The backup power supply includes 6- or 12-volt batteries to keep the system running when a power failure happens.

Other Important Components

  • Sprinkler systems – No life safety system is complete without fire sprinklers. When a fire is detected, the fire sprinkler system is activated to suppress or extinguish a fire.
  • Exit lighting – When a fire occurs, people need to be able to get out safely. Having a lights to show people how to exit safely is very important.
  • Alarm monitoring – Having a monitored fire alarm system alerts the authorities when the fire alarm system is activated.
  • Voice communication systems – Voice communication systems give verbal commands to building occupants telling them what to do during an emergency situation. Voice communication is especially helpful in high rise buildings, arenas and hospitals.
  • Remote controls and display panels – In a larger building such as a high rise building with a lot of floors, having remote controls and display panels throughout the building can be helpful. These devices allow personnel to easily check, activate, and deactivate alarms from remote part of the building.

WSFP Installs and Services Fire Alarm Systems

Western States Fire Protection can install and service fire alarm and detection systems. We install fire alarms that fit the needs of your facility. Whether you have a small application or larger campus, we can design an alarm system for you. In addition, we inspect, service and repair all the components of your system. Contact us to learn more about our fire alarm and detection systems!

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

4 Types of Fire Sprinklers

There are many types of fire sprinkler systems that are available for your building. Whether you have a retail building, a high hazard industrial facility, or a warehouse, you can find a sprinkler system that works well for your application.

Traditional Fire Sprinklers

Traditional fire sprinklers are the most common form of fire sprinklers. It is a wet pipe system, meaning the system’s pipe are filled with pressurized water. When the system activates, the sprinkler head nearest the fire will activate, discharging water onto the flames. This is the simplest form of fire sprinkler. It is used in most applications because it is the most inexpensive option while also being very effective.

Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems

In contrast to traditional sprinkler systems, dry pipe sprinklers do not have water in the sprinkler pipes. Instead, the pipes are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen. When the sprinkler system activates, water will fill the pipes and then be discharges onto the flames. These systems are used in cold, unheated areas where water could freeze.

Pre-action Sprinkler Systems

In areas where accidental discharge of the sprinkler system could cause irreparable damage, a pre-action sprinkler system is used. These systems are a form of dry pipe sprinklers that require a two-step process to activate. First, a fire is detected, and the pre-action valve opens, allowing water into the pipes. Then, each sprinkler head is individually activated to allow water to be released.

Deluge Fire Sprinklers

Deluge sprinkler systems are used in high hazard applications. In these systems, the pipes contain unpressurized air, making it a dry pipe system. The sprinkler heads are always open and when a fire is detected, a deluge valve opens and allows water to be released to all the open sprinkler heads. This creates at total flood which puts out a fire quickly and effectively.

WSFP Does Fire Sprinklers

At Western States Fire Protection, we design, install, inspect, test and service many types of fire sprinkler systems. We can install traditional fire sprinklers, dry pipe systems, pre-action sprinklers, and deluge sprinklers. Our team is experienced and qualified to design a sprinkler system that fits the needs of your facility while remaining in compliance with local and NFPA standards. We also provide ongoing, inspections and service for your systems. If you have an emergency with your fire protection system, we have technicians who will respond to your situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact us today to learn more about our fire sprinkler systems!

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week 2019

October 6th – 12th, 2019 is Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week has been recognized since 1922 by the NFPA. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge made Fire Prevention Week a national observance. Fire Prevention Week is observed on the week of October 9th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000.

Fires can be extremely destructive. Learning how to prevent fires is extremely important for your safety and the safety of those around you. During Fire Prevention Week, take time to learn how to stay safe in case of a fire.

“Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”

This year, the theme for Fire Prevention Week is, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape!” This theme highlights the importance of making a fire escape plan for your home and practicing what you can do during a fire to stay safe.

Make Your Home Escape Plan

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely after the smoke alarm sounds. When every second counts, it’s very important that you’re prepared and know what to do during a fire. Planning and practicing a home fire escape plan can help you make the most of the time you have to escape.

Here are some steps you should take when making a fire escape plan for your home:

  1. Draw a map of your home with all doors and windows.
  2. Visit each room in your house and find two ways out.
  3. Make sure that all doors and windows can open easily so you can use them to get outside.
  4. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms. Test them to see if they work.
  5. Pick a meeting place in front of your home.
  6. Talk about your escape plan with everyone in your home.
  7. Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 or the local emergency number.
  8. Practice your home fire drill.

Be a Hero in Your Home & Community

According to an NFPA survey, only 1 out of 3 American households have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. This Fire Prevention Week, you can be a hero by taking small, but important actions to keep yourself, your family, and those around you safe from a fire. One of the easiest ways you can protect your loved ones is to plan and practice a home escape plan. When the smoke alarm sounds in an actual fire, it will be too late to start making a plan.

Interested in learning more about how you can participate in Fire Prevention Week? Visit the NFPA’s website for great resources and materials. Learn how to make an escape plan and raise public awareness about the importance of fire prevention.

Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems

What is a Pre-Action Sprinkler System?

A pre-action fire sprinkler system is a type of sprinkler that requires a two-step process in order to discharge. These systems work well in areas where accidental discharge needs to be prevented.

How a Pre-Action Sprinkler Works

Pre-action fire sprinklers are a dry sprinkler system, water is not contained in the pipes but is held back by a pre-action valve. Pre-action valves are electrically operated valve that is activated by heat, smoke or flame. The steps for activation of a pre-action sprinkler system are:

  1. A fire is detected, and the pre-action valve opens, allowing water to flow into the sprinkler pipes. At this point, the sprinkler system is now a wet pipe sprinkler system.
  2. Each fire sprinkler head is opened individually. The sprinkler head must be activated to release water onto the affected area.

Things to Consider About Pre-Action Systems

There are some things that should be considered when it comes to pre-action systems.

  • Pre-action sprinkler systems work well in areas with sensitive assets and equipment where accidental discharge needs to be prevented due to their 2-step activation process.
  • A pre-action system is often more costly to install than a traditional sprinkler system because it is more complex.
  • This system is also more difficult and costly to maintain because it has additional components and is more complex.
  • Pre-action sprinklers can be designed to have pressurized nitrogen or air within the pipes to keep the water in place if the valve is accidentally opened. This form of pre-action system is most commonly found in freezer warehouses.

Common Applications for Pre-Action Systems

Pre-action fire sprinkler systems have the benefit of reduced risk of accidental discharge because of this, they are a great option for water sensitive environments. Some common applications for pre-action sprinkler systems include:

  • Museums
  • Freezer warehouses
  • Data centers
  • Archives
  • Libraries
  • Computer rooms
  • Telecommunications centers
  • Process control rooms

Work with WSFP for Pre-Action Systems

Western States Fire Protection can design and install pre-action sprinkler systems for your water sensitive applications. We have technicians that are qualified to install a pre-action system that will protect your assets and meet NFPA standards. After installation, Western States can provide ongoing services such as inspections, testing and repairs for your pre-action sprinkler system. We are a full-service fire protection contractor that provides 24-hour emergency service.

If you are interested in working with Western States to install a pre-action fire sprinkler system, contact us today.

Fire Alarm & Building Monitoring

Security & Fire Alarm Monitoring

Fire alarm and security monitoring can give you the peace of mind that your building is protected around the clock. With a monitoring system, you will have live operators 24 hours a day that are ready to respond to an emergency in your facility. WSFP provides fire alarm and building monitoring so that your facility can get attention quickly if there is a fire, burglary, medical or other emergency.

UL Listed Monitoring Facilities

WSFP’s UL Listed Monitoring facilities have the latest in modern technology to make sure that we’re ready for the emergency signals your systems will send. Not only do we have the latest in computer automation equipment, but these systems have system redundancy, meaning they are backed up by a fully operational computer system in the event our main system should malfunction.

Western States owns and operates its own AES radio network in the Phoenix area. This allows for faster communication and a more secure network. Response time will be quicker, and issues will be noted quicker with the ability to make the repairs much faster.

Monitoring Features

  • 24hr Central Station
  • Live Professional Operators
  • Two-Way Voice
  • com Interactive Monitoring
  • Smoke, Heat, Carbon Monoxide
  • Video Verification
  • Managed Access Control

Security Monitoring Applications

  • Burglary
  • Fire
  • Residential
  • Panic/Hold-Up
  • Silent Duress
  • Medical
  • Supervised Openings/Closing
  • Critical process alarms
  • Hold-up alarms
  • Openings and closings
  • Temperature alarms

We provide radio, cellular, and telephone-based monitoring systems for residential, industrial and commercial facilities are available.

Complete Life Safety Systems from WSFP

Partner with Western States for a complete life safety system for your facility. In addition to fire and building monitoring, we can also protect your building occupants through the installation of a fire protection system. We install fire sprinkler, suppression and alarm systems. The experienced technicians at WSFP can also provide inspections and testing for all your life safety systems. If you are interested in a monitoring system from Western States, contact us today for more information!

Fire Protection for Los Angeles Homes and Apartments

Residential Fire Protection Systems in Los Angeles

Western States Fire Protection has many locations across the Western half of the U.S. We have a branch location in Lakewood, CA that serves the Los Angeles Area. Originally this location concentrated on residential projects only, but it has now expanded to commercial and industrial projects.

Fire Protection for Single-Family Homes

WSFP can provide fire protection in single family residences. Home fire sprinklers can help to save lives, reduce damage to your family’s home, and possibly lower homeowner’s insurance premiums. Installing fire sprinklers in your home can reduce your chance of dying in a home fire by 85%, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Our Los Angeles branch can design and install fire sprinklers that are aesthetically pleasing while providing protection for your home. Our team can install sprinklers in newly constructed homes or retrofit a system into your existing home.

Fire Protection for Multi-Family Residential Properties

All multi-family residential properties should have the following forms of fire protection:

  • Fire Sprinkler Systems
  • Fire Alarm & Detection Systems
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Western States Fire Protection can install fire protection systems in apartment buildings in the Los Angeles Area. We will design and install fire sprinkler systems as well as alarm and detection systems.

In addition to installing a fire protection system, multi-family residences should have regular inspections and testing of their systems. Our team in Los Angeles can provide inspections, testing, service and repair to all your fire protection systems.

Choose WSFP for Your Residential Fire Protection Needs

When it comes to residential fire protection, Western States has you covered. Our Los Angeles Branch is ready to serve your single family, multi-family or mixed-use property. Some of the services we provide to the LA area include:

  • New and Retrofit Sprinkler and Alarm Systems
  • Complete Service, Inspection and Repairs
  • Complete Design-Build Services
  • 24-Hour Emergency Repairs

At Western States, we have NICET certified technicians who can design, install, and service fire protection systems in your property. Our LA branch serves all counties in Southern California from Ventura to the Mexican border. If you are interested in learn more about Western States’ branch in LA, contact us today!