Commercial fires are fairly common, especially in restaurants. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 8,240 fires occur each year in drinking and eating establishments. These fires often result in civilian deaths, injuries, and millions of dollars in property damages.

It is also known that most restaurant fires commonly start in the kitchen. Most of these fire events are traced to a faulty stove or other kitchen appliances.

What can you do to protect your restaurant and employees from a potential fire episode? Keep reading to discover 5 fire prevention tips that you can use to keep your business safe.

1. Cooking Equipment Maintenance

The maintenance of your kitchen equipment is a helpful way to prevent a potential fire. Ensure that all your cooking equipment is in excellent working condition. This extra precaution can also help to extend the lifespan of your kitchen equipment  and to save your business from unnecessary expenses in the future.

2. Cleaning Practices

Be sure to engage in regular kitchen cleaning practices to keep your space less fire hazardous. One common issue you should focus on is remembering to clean up kitchen grease from all surfaces. An accumulation of grease in your kitchen has the potential to cause a fire. So, make sure you schedule a daily grease cleanup with your employees.

3. Have Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers come in handy in the event of a possible fire. Fire extinguishers can help to prevent a major downtime of your business, so it is essential for you to install one in your kitchen. It is also beneficial for you to ensure that your fire extinguishers are working properly. You can rely on a mobile fire extinguisher service to come to your business to inspect your system.

4. Kitchen Staff Training

Your kitchen staff should engage in essential training to prevent fire hazards. They should be well versed in how to deal with different types of fires and how to safely perform their daily kitchen duties.

Taking the extra time to train  your staff is an effective way for you to make your restaurant less prone to accidental fires.

5. Electrical Equipment Caution

Exercise caution with the electrical equipment you use each day in your restaurant. Be aware of the electrical appliances or cables that you use to operate your business. Make certain you inspect your electrical equipment regularly to make your restaurant less vulnerable to fires.

Protect Your Business With Annual Inspections!

Following this guide may help you to prevent accidents and for you to have peace of mind that your restaurant is safe. It is also beneficial for you to rely on a professional service to provide you with an annual fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance.

Do you need to replace your fire extinguisher from a service that covers the state of New Jersey or Philadelphia? Contact us to learn about our range of fire extinguisher services and affordable prices.

ANSUL fire suppression systems are the industry standard for fire suppression systems in the restaurant. These systems work by discharging a mixture of wet chemicals when fires are detected, smothering the flames and preventing them from reacting with oxygen, which fires need to burn. These systems are automatic and can save restaurant owners hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, as well as the lives of both employees and customers.

However, since ANSUL systems are so vital and sophisticated, it’s extremely important that you practice appropriate maintenance procedures on your ANSUL system in order to ensure it’s in tip-top shape to keep you and others in your restaurant safe. Here are three ANSUL system maintenance tips that you need to know.

Positive Restaurant Practices

One of the most important things you can personally do to help maintain an ANSUL fire suppression system is by having good restaurant practices in your day-to-day operations. In order to keep your ANSUL fire suppression system in optimal working condition, you should be careful to prevent grease build-up on your kitchen equipment, especially in equipment such as stove hoods and other sensitive areas. You should also use the exhaust system built into your kitchen hood when preheating and cooking on appliances, as well as during cooling.

Always operate exhaust systems with the appropriate filters installed and be careful not to restrict the air intake for the exhaust. It’s also important that you avoid using flammable solvents or cleaners on appliances or hoods. By using these kitchen safety practices, not only do you ensure that your ANSUL system is working properly, you can also help to increase the effectiveness of the fire prevention system if a fire does break out, as well as lower the chances of a fire breaking out entirely.

Get Regular Inspections

Of course, it isn’t enough to just implement some day-to-day fire and kitchen safety protocols. ANSUL fire suppression systems are extremely complicated with a variety of moving mechanical parts that all need to stay functional and faultless for the system to run as intended. You should get your ANSUL fire suppression system regularly checked up by a professional, at least once every six months.

During this inspection, your professional inspector will examine the location of appliances and the estimated coverage of the fire suppression system, check the nozzles for any obstructions, ensure the system has not been tampered with, verify that pressure gauges are functioning as intended, and that the system is in good operational condition. Although these inspections might cost some money, it’s well worth it to ensure the safety of your kitchen and your customers.

Stay Up to Date on Your Documentation

Finally, it’s extremely important that you stay up to date on the documentation for any inspections of your ANSUL fire suppression system. After an inspection is complete, a qualified professional inspector should provide you with a Commercial Cooking System Service and Inspection Report, which they will also forward to the local fire department. This report contains information on repairs that were made and the locations of marked service tags, as well as any problems that were found that need to be addressed. If your inspector does identify an issue with your ANSUL fire suppression system, you should take care of it immediately, either by having your system professionally repaired, or by replacing the system.

You should never gamble with people’s lives by neglecting to ensure fire safety at your establishment. To learn more about how our knowledgeable team of fire experts can help keep your business running smoothly and safely, please contact us here at Atlantic Fire Protection today.

One of the most important steps to opening a new business is making sure you take appropriate measures to ensure fire safety. Many different kinds of businesses present a fire hazard, such as restaurants, food trucks, and data centers. Not only does poor fire safety jeopardize the health and safety of your employees and customers, but it can also risk severe legal fines or even the loss of your business.

A fantastic solution to a large variety of fire safety applications is the use of a wet chemical fire suppression system. These systems are designed specifically for commercial use and can quickly and effectively detect and eliminate fires when the need arises. By purchasing and installing a reliable fire suppression system, you can help guarantee the security of your business for years to come.

Choose a Reputable Company

Fire suppression systems are not inexpensive, and more importantly, they serve an incredibly important role in protecting your business and livelihood. An ANSUL system can mean the difference between a small accident and a life-changing event. It is vitally important, therefore, that you choose a reputable company to purchase your fire suppression system from, as well as to install the system afterward.

While some business owners might think they can save a little money by installing a fire suppression system themselves, the process is actually extremely difficult and dangerous without adequate training and qualifications. In fact, in the State of New Jersey, fire suppression installers are required to receive and hold appropriate certifications in order to complete the work. By relying on a reputable company like Atlantic Fire Pro, you can rest easy knowing your business is well protected.

Ask Questions About What System Is Right for You

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to fire safety. Depending on your business type and use case, there will always be a distinct fire suppression system best suited to your needs. Choosing a fire suppression system can be tricky, so you should take advantage of the expertise of the company you’re purchasing the system from to ask questions about which system is right for you.

Don’t be shy — a fire suppression system company is committed to helping you purchase the best solution for your business. When purchasing a fire suppression system, make sure to explain your business type, intended application, and potential fire risks to the customer service representative.

Purchase a Fire Suppression System Early

One of the worst things you can do when starting a new business is put off purchasing appropriate safety equipment. While starting a new business can be extremely stressful and busy, leaving the purchase of necessary fire safety systems can have devastating consequences, especially if you already have potential fire risks installed in the building.

You should always take care to leave yourself plenty of cushion room when purchasing a fire suppression system, in order to avoid the stress of potential delays or mishaps. Shopping for a fire suppression system early also provides you with ample time to do your research about the best prices and company to purchase the system from, as well as what system you want to purchase.

Hopefully, these tips help you to purchase your next wet chemical fire suppression system with confidence. Your fire suppression system is the front-line response to some of the scariest potential calamities that could strike your new business, so make sure you purchase a quality system to protect your business, your customers, and yourself. To learn more, please contact us here at Atlantic Fire Protection today.

When it comes to a fire extinguisher or other fire mitigation system, there’s a lot more to acquiring these systems than just purchasing an individual unit (or several units) to put in a property.

Fire safety experts know this as a matter of course, but people who don’t deal with fire safety a lot may think that you just buy a fire extinguisher, and that’s basically it.

We help companies to maintain fire-safe operations, and property owners to safeguard their investment in real estate, and the well-being of inhabitants and visitors with excellent fire safety and mitigation strategies. Here’s some of what we help with on a regular basis. 

Refilling and Recharging

Fire extinguishers and similar fire systems need refilled or recharged every so often. That means fully exhausting the existing fire safety materials, and re-filling the unit, as well as dealing with residual air under pressure, and restoring the unit to its original condition, where it can be fully effective in fighting any fire that breaks out.

Routine Inspections

NFPA standards present guidelines for regular fire inspections, which is another part of keeping your systems safe and up-to-date. We provide this type of inspection, which is recommended by fire safety experts to be done by a professional certified firm. Our clients prefer to rely on a trusted partner for this service. 

A Catalog Of Products

Whether you need additional fire safety components, recharging and refilling, or other related fire safety services, Atlantic Fire Protection is there. We offer these products to a specific market of fire safety properties and companies, and other stakeholders in fire safety and building security.

Having a trusted partner for fire safety needs means being able to count on a company that has a track record of excellence, and provides the right resources and information to help you make the right decisions for your property. That includes how much fire safety gear you’ll need, as well as a maintenance plan and training on fire safety. 

Get acquainted with more of what we offer through the website, and take it upon yourself to make your property as safe as it can be with fire safety materials that meet the guidelines and standards of even the toughest critics – among them first responders and fire department officials who have seen conflagrations and their resolutions up close. Get protected! We will help make sure the process is as easy and affordable as possible for you. 

Did you realize there are over 24,000 food trucks in the United States? During the pandemic, owners of these food trucks saw a significant increase in business. If you entering the mobile food service industry, educating yourself about the importance of fire safety equipment is imperative. The last thing you want is for your food truck to go up in smoke due to a lack of fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers. 

Failing to equip your food truck with the right equipment can also lead to fines and the inability to get work permits in different areas. Here are some tips designed to help you mitigate the risk posed by food truck fires. 

Invest In the Right Fire Suppression System

Providing food to hungry customers will require the use of specialized cooking equipment. When using things like a deep fryer or griddle, you create a very dangerous working environment. Confining these sources of heat in a food truck can be disastrous, which is why investing in a fire suppression system is vital. If a fire erupts under the hood of these suppression systems, they will be doused with chemicals. These chemicals are designed to put the fire out quickly and effectively. 

Some food truck owners think that fire suppression hood and system installation is a DIY project they can handle alone. In reality, this is an extremely complicated process that needs to be handled by professionals. Once you have your hood in place, the team at Atlantic Fire Protection will equip it with a state-of-the-art fire suppression system. Having this system on board can help you cook with peace of mind. 

Put the Right Extinguishers in Place

As the owner of a mobile food truck, you have to be passionate about fire prevention. Fighting a fire is much easier if you have a variety of equipment at your disposal. This means you need to have both a fire suppression system and fire extinguishers on board. If you are new to the world of food service, you may fail to realize that there are specialized fire extinguishers made for restaurants. 

The Class K fire extinguisher contains a special chemical that is designed to put out fires involving fats, grease and other cooking oils. After you have the right fire safety equipment in place, you have to keep it maintained. Fire protection professionals can inspect and maintain this equipment to ensure it works when needed. 

Be Careful About Where You Park Your Food Truck 

Mobile food truck owners love the flexibility in their work environment. Being able to park in a new area and serve food to hungry consumers can be a lot of fun. However, you need to be mindful of where you park your food truck before you start cooking. You need to park at least 10 feet away from all structures to keep everyone around your food truck safe. 

Are you looking for a great deal on new fire extinguishers or a fire suppression system? If so, Atlantic Fire Protection is here to help. 

Fire extinguishers are a vital part of fire safety plans. Ranging from residential, commercial, and recreational settings, fire extinguishers are designed for specific services and special fire hazards. When determining which type of fire extinguisher to purchase for your needs, you should understand the fire hazards present in your home or workplace. Contacting your local fire marshal or a qualified and licensed fire extinguisher company is the best way to ensure you purchase a suitable device. 

Portable, Wheeled, And Fixed Devices

When purchasing a portable, wheeled, or fixed fire extinguisher, it is essential to your safety to do so through a qualified licensed company. Licensed fire extinguisher companies are factory authorized and manufacturer certified to sell, install, and service portable, wheeled, and fixed extinguishers. 

Such companies will assist you with the right equipment for your needs and advise you or your business on compliance with fire codes in your area. Complying with local fire codes can include installing fire extinguisher devices by licensed fire extinguisher companies.

Classes And Performance Ratings 

Fire extinguishers are designed to meet specific requirements of different types of fire hazards. Fire types are categorized as Class A, B, C, D, and K, distinguishing which fire extinguisher devices should be used for each fire class. Manufactures affix visible labels to each device that provide necessary information such as performance review and rating. When buying your device, look for these stickers that should display  ‘UL, ANSI, FM’ to assess its rating and performance.

Personal Home Purchasing

If you are purchasing fire extinguishing devices and systems for your personal home use, your needs will differ from those of a commercial property. By shopping with a qualified, certified, licensed, and factory-trained fire extinguisher company, you will be provided a detailed cost analysis for the maintanenece of your equipment. Such costs associated with personal fire extinguisher use include purchase, service, maintenance, and devices’ replacement. 

Commercial And Large Scale Purchasing

If you are purchasing equipment for a larger company such as a franchise, government agency, industrial organization, or retail chain, you may qualify for discounts. Depending on the quantity and types of fire extinguishing systems you choose, the service package will differ and may also be subject to a value. Service packages can include refill, recharging, inspection, and annual certification of your equipment. 

Choosing A Reputable Company

Safety is a top priority when it comes to the purchase of personal or commercial fire extinguishment devices. Licensed and certified companies should only be used to ensure products are correct for what you need and safely maintained. 

ANSUL systems consist of several methods and products used for extinguishing fires. These sophisticated systems can be used individually or combined for the utmost in fire safety. Mainly used in commercial, restaurant, and industrial settings, ANSUL systems provide an advanced approach to fire extinguishment.

Function As Extinguisher

ANSUL fire extinguisher systems use a two-pronged approach to eliminating fire. Applying an agent, the system either displaces the fire’s oxygen or cools the burning fuel to smother fires effectively. Most often, carbon dioxide is used as the agent that smothers the fire.

ANSUL Features

In its most complete form, ANSUL includes fire and heat detectors with an alarm system. The alarm system’s purpose is to notify occupants of a building to leave the property before the system automatically releases its fire smothering agent. ANSUL is designed to administer an appropriate amount of chemicals to contain and smother the fire before extensive damage can be caused, significantly reducing the risk of catastrophic loss of life and property.

Types Of ANSUL Products

In its simplest form, ANSUL is a portable fire extinguisher that can be operated manually. This type of ANUSL is appropriate for residential and small business uses where highly combustible material is not present. Larger companies can benefit from the extensive piped system that dispenses a more generous amount of chemicals.

Type F class ANSUL systems are appropriate for commercial kitchens as they direct the chemical agent at hot spot areas such as stoves and fry baskets. The ability to control a fire at its source allows for less property damage during the containment process. The enormous scale ANSUL systems are used on firetrucks for extinguishing major property fires.

Application Considerations

ANSUL fire extinguishing systems are appropriate for a wide range of applications. You must consider your risk level and fire safety plans when determining the right strategy for your needs. ANSUL systems provide a multi-layered approach to fire safety, giving you options that will increase your ability to handle small to large-scale fires with varied methods.

Professional Fire Protection Services

Atlantic Fire Protection Services offers professional and experienced sales, installation, service, and inspection of ANSUL fire extinguisher systems and more. When it comes to planning your fire safety, Atlantic Fire Protection Services will ensure that you are protected by what you need to keep you safe and nothing more. Let us help you and your property stay safe, Atlantic Fire Protection Services today.

Fire suppression systems for restaurants are a necessity for everyday activity in the foodservice industry. Unfortunately, fires are more prevalent in restaurants than in any other business. Fires can start harmlessly enough from any number of sources but can quickly get out of hand. A fire suppression system is an absolute must for restaurants and other commercial kitchens.  

A Kitchen Fire Could Shut Down a Restaurant

When your livelihood is at stake, you can’t afford to take chances. Your cooking equipment is the lifeline of your restaurant, but also the apparatus most used when involved in fires. Fires often happen from old equipment, poor installation and maintenance, and a lack of a good cleaning regimen. Rags are plentiful around the kitchen but can present a fire hazard when left around. Be sure to store clean and dirty rags separately in metal containers with lids that can close. A fire can happen even from a small amount of oil or grease.  

Detect Fires Before They Start

Fire suppression systems detect fires and heat almost before they start. By using heat sensors, fire detection happens immediately. Fire suppression systems identify problem areas before they start. They work by shutting off access to gas lines immediately once a fire is detected. This mechanism not only saves lives but the restauranteur’s business as well. In the recent past, dry chemical systems most frequently, but now wet systems are here to stay. It’s quite amazing to consider how much damage could have happened had it not been for these fantastic systems.  

Pick the Right System

It’s important to note that all fire suppression systems are not appropriate for every industry. Some made are for warehouses meant to extinguish paper, while others are engineered explicitly for the restaurant industry and grease fires. Some functions are essential for a commercial kitchen or restaurant, like mechanical gas shut-off, remote pull station, and distribution piping. A rapid response system is especially crucial in smothering a fire and limiting injuries or death. It is not easy to install a system and should only be done by industry professionals. Survey of the space includes inspecting the kitchen equipment, allowing for the size of the hood, accounting for the length of the duct, and will be able to prescribe the best suppression system for your needs. 

Pick the Right Company

When choosing a fire suppression company, pick one that supplies all of your needs, whether you work in restaurants, healthcare, or warehouses.  Atlantic Fire Protection is here to help and can cater to your needs.  

A fire extinguisher plays a vital role in the fire safety of any residential or commercial property. As the name implies, this fire-protection device controls and stops small flames before they escalate into a fire outbreak during emergency situations. It works by cooling the burning materials, preventing oxygen from touching the flame, and blocking chemical reactions. This is why it’s easy to see them installed in various places, whether in business establishments or residential communities.

According to manufacturers, the average lifespan of a fire extinguisher ranges from 5 to 15 years. However, there are a few factors that can influence its longevity. While some variables prolong its lifespan, a few others can make it wear out prematurely. 

When you are trying to determine the lifespan of your fire protection device, here are four factors to consider:

1. Disposable fire extinguishers for homes

Most homeowners opt for disposable home fire extinguishers. As the name implies, they can be disposed of because they are typically made of plastic valves and aluminum cylinders. Most of these devices have a shelf life of twelve years as per most manufacturers. To identify this, all it takes is to check the cylinder and read the manufacturer’s dates and instructions. Of course, with constant fire extinguisher service, expect them to last longer than usual.

2. Commercial fire extinguishers for business

Similar to disposable home fire extinguishers, commercial fire extinguishers are expected to last for twelve years on average. They are typically installed in various areas in a given building for fire safety and protection. These devices can also last longer with regular upkeep, where they should be internally inspected every six years. For the most part, they should be hydrostatically tested to ensure that they’re in top shape and working condition. Finally, keep in mind that they must be inspected by licensed fire protection professionally and annually per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

3. Uses and applications of fire extinguishers

For the most part, fire extinguishers are installed per fire safety guidelines in your commercial property. Even if you have one in your home, know where to position it visibly. However, part of the overall equation is to have proper installation and use because you don’t want your family members or employees to play with them that can potentially lead to injuries and damages. To make them last longer than usual, be sure to take good care of them.

4. Maintenance service and its frequency

As fire extinguishers aren’t designed to last forever, scheduling regular maintenance for them makes all the difference. As mentioned above, they must be inspected once a year by professionals and be internally tested every six years to see if they still can be used. With this required upkeep, expect them to last for as long as possible!

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what to consider when assessing the lifespan of your fire extinguisher. When you consider the factors mentioned above, you’ll be able to predict how long your fire protection devices will last. Ultimately, you have to ensure they are highly functional and useful just when you need them the most!

We offer a wide selection of fire protection systems and services for your restaurant, commercial business, and apartment buildings. If you need a fire extinguisher inspection in New Jersey, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!