Prevention is always better, especially when it comes to fire. Fire is the most dangerous thing that can happen in one’s home. Once your house burns down, you can never bring it back. Before preventing a fire from happening, you should learn about its common causes first. This article will tell you the three common residential fire incidents to watch out for.

#1. Electrical Fires

There are two ways electrical fires happen. One is when short circuits cause a spark that ignites building materials, and the other one is when circuits overload with an electric current. 

In the US, electrical problems take up 10 percent of all residential fires, but it is also the most deadly type. In fact, it is responsible for almost 19 percent of deaths due to home fire. One reason behind it is the fact that electrical fires often start in hidden locations. The fire turns massive even before the homeowners realize it. It also often happens at night while they are sleeping.

Fire Prevention Tips:

• Make sure that your home’s electrical system is properly installed. 
• Your electrical system should have built-in protective features to protect it from short circuits and current overloading.
• Have a professional electrician check your electrical wirings regularly, especially if you live in an older home. 
• Never perform electrical repairs and improvements on your own unless you have the experience and knowledge.

#2. Heating Appliances-Related Fires

Heating appliances are the second leading cause of home fires in the US, taking up 14 percent of the total home fires. In a data shared by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, 25,000 home fires occur in the US each year, causing around 300 deaths. 

Appliances such as home space heaters or baseboard heaters can cause a fire when fabrics and other flammable materials are left too close to them. Fuel-generated heaters that require kerosene is one of the most dangerous appliances to have at home. If not correctly used, they can ignite or blow up. Even electric heaters can burn your house down if it has faulty electrical wiring or when fabrics come in contact with its coils. 

Fire Prevention Tips: 

• When buying and using a heater, make sure to read and follow its instructions carefully. 
• Have a regular appliances inspection to make sure they are always in good condition.
• Do not leave your appliance unattended. Make sure there is no heater running when leaving your home. 
• For critical appliances such as space heaters, make sure to leave a printed notice or instructions on their proper usage.
• Leave flammable materials away from all types of heaters.

#3. Cooking-Related Fires

Fires that started from cooking is the leading cause of house fires in the US. It makes up 48 percent of the total fire accounted. The main cause behind cooking-related fires is the grease. Grease can be a highly flammable material when it gets around 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches that temperature, it will combust instantly even when not in direct contact with fire. This dangerous grease is commonly found on stoves or ovens at home. 

Other causes of residential fires related to cooking are portable cooking appliances like electric griddles and toasters, as well as unattended barbecue grills. 

Fire Prevention Tips: 

• Never leave the kitchen or outdoor barbecue grills on a wooden deck unattended, especially when cooking food that produces grease, like bacon.
• Never leave any appliance running and unsupervised.
• Make sure all home devices are cool enough to touch before storing them.
• Regularly clean your toasters, ovens, and other similar appliances to prevent crumbs from building up inside. 

Conclusion

Your home is one of your life’s biggest investments, and one mistake can burn it down and hurt everyone inside. Now that you know the common fire causes to watch out for and some tips to prevent them, you have the control and better advantage in keeping your home safe. 

Be responsible and have fire extinguishers around your house. Always schedule fire extinguisher inspection to ensure they are functioning properly. Atlantic Fire Protection can help you with this. We have fire extinguishers services in New Jersey from annual inspections to refills and recharges. Contact us to learn more about our services.

Retrofitting your property with the necessary emergency measures is an excellent way to anticipate the worst. Natural calamities like earthquakes, storms, and floods can damage the integrity of your building. Besides these environmental threats, you should also protect your building from fires.

Building fires generally occur in buildings that house electronics and flammable chemicals. However, you shouldn’t count yourself safe from them, especially if you’re next to any of these establishments. Thankfully, you can install a fire safety system to minimize your potential damages and losses.

Maintaining your fire safety systems

A fire safety system ensures that your building is capable of preventing any fire-related emergency. However, installing one in your property doesn’t mean that it isn’t fool-proof. This is why you need to perform maintenance on your emergency systems to ensure that your preventative measures will be available when you need them.

If you want to keep your property fire-proof, here are three ways to prepare your building’s fire safety system:

Keep a secure and reliable water supply for your fire pumps

Having a fire safety system with sprinklers in your rooms and hallways won’t be useful if you have low water pressure. It prevents you from minimizing a compromised area’s damage due to having too little water at the scene. It’s best to connect to the nearest reliable water source, such as rivers and lakes, for your system. If you have cooling tower basins, make sure to routinely test it so that it can release the adequate output of pressure when you need it.

Design adjoining systems for your fire pumps’ sprinklers

Installing water sprinklers at key locations in your property is necessary to avoid the spread of fire. Many buildings segment their fire safety systems to respond only to specific areas. However, disjointed systems can cause your building’s fire pump to have insufficient water for all your sprinklers.

The best way to go about this issue is to ensure that you’re using adjoining systems to accommodate multiple fire pumps. Doing so will ensure that all systems are receiving the amount of water and pressure they need.

Test your building’s different gas-based suppression systems

Besides the damage that fire can inflict on your building’s occupants, you should also be cautious of smoke. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major contributor to fires’ dangers since it can induce nausea, suffocation, and fainting. Fire safety systems detect smoke through the accumulation of CO2 in an area. An alarm triggers once the amount of CO2 reaches the threshold. However, its detecting capabilities can wear down over time.

Different rooms will have varying CO2 accumulation thresholds. For example, a kitchen or boiler room will regularly have smoke around, so it’s best to adjust their smoke alarm settings. Besides managing the unit itself, you must also consider fan and ventilation within these areas. By testing all your enclosures, you can see if some units demand different signal discharge levels over others.

Conclusion

Remember to perform frequent fire emergency drills to ensure that your system won’t degrade due to inactivity. Although you can perform these tests on your own, it’s best to let professionals perform repairs or adjustments to your fire safety system if necessary.

You need to employ a professional company to ensure that all your emergency systems are in working order. By choosing a reputable fire protection firm, you can trust that your fire-proofing solutions are up-to-date and can protect your building when you need them.

Atlantic Fire Pro performs professional fire inspection in NJ to keep residential and commercial establishments safe from harm. We offer services on emergency and exit lighting, kitchen hoods, kitchen fire suppression systems, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how our experts can fire-proof your property.

Your pork wine reduction may perhaps be your customers’ latest favorite dish, but the presence of too much fire can place your restaurant at risk. Unfortunately, that’s just how the industry works. Cooking requires fire and heat, making it the very heart and veins of your restaurant business. 

Restaurants experience fire losses more often, especially since kitchens are stacked with highly flammable materials. In other words, all commercial kitchens can quickly burn out of control, with menacing fires devouring the entire establishment within minutes. 

While kitchen fire suppression systems exist to minimize damages and injury, not all businesses properly maintain the process. Most operate under ineffective measures, which causes fire to spread further. And while your kitchen may be too busy to pay any mind to fire protection, it’s important to keep your staff focused on the possibilities of fire. 

To begin your efforts, here are some fire protection mistakes most people make. It’s best to avoid them from now on:

Mistake #1: Failing to properly train your staff

While you can give fire safety fliers and presentations to your staff, theoretical knowledge of safety rules and regulations can only do so much if your staff isn’t properly trained to follow these protocols. It’s one thing to know what to do, and quite another to actually act on it. Actually following the proper protocol regarding fire prevention and safety is more crucial than being able to recite the rules word for word. 

It’s best to allow some time and resources to train your staff on how to prevent and manage kitchen fires. You can monitor your staff and make sure that they can properly practice the fire safety protocol, as well as know how to operate fire safety equipment. 

Mistake #2: Failing to keep the entire kitchen clean 

Commercial kitchens are stacked with highly flammable materials, but those that should not catch fire also become damaged due to a failed upkeep. Most kitchen floors operate in hardened shortening, whether it be plastered in floors or the walls. This is particularly true for kitchens that specialize in frying, ones that even a fire suppression system cannot save.

Having hardened oils in your kitchen floor and walls will cause the flames to rapidly spread, as the grease will fuel the menacing fires. That said, make sure to clean regularly and thoroughly. By ensuring clean surfaces, you save your restaurant from being devoured by potential fires. 

Mistake #3: Expanding kitchen without proper fire safety measures 

As your restaurant flourishes, so will your kitchen. You’ll eventually need to expand your kitchen space, prompting you to buy bigger and better equipment. Unfortunately, your existing fire suppression system may not be equipped to handle such changes. 

Bigger and bulkier equipment needs new fire safety plans, and without catering to the needs accordingly, you leave your kitchen at risk. Before making any plans of purchase, make sure to adjust your fire suppression systems accordingly. 

Ensure That a Good Fire Safety Plan is in Place

A flourishing restaurant business is a call for celebration, but make sure to keep your establishment and staff safe by having a good fire safety plan in place. Knowing these mistakes to avoid is just a single part of the important equation—the next step is to develop an evacuation plan, followed by investment in fire fighting tools, and so on. Disaster can strike any time—make sure that you’re well-equipped to save lives. 

If you’re on the hunt for fire suppression installation and fire safety other services, Atlantic Fire Pro is the place to go. We are a licensed company in New Jersey, dedicated to helping our clients maintain, repair, and inspect fire safety necessities. Reach out to us today to learn more. 

Indoor cooking is the method of choice for many people in New Jersey, especially during winter and rainy seasons. While some houses have a backyard area for grilling, indoors is where most cooking is done each year. It is rare to see people in their backyards cooking every day because this is an area saved for barbecues and get-togethers with friends and family. 

Knowing that most time anyone will spend cooking is indoors, this is where the proper kitchen exhaust system comes into play. These exhausts are hooked up to a power source that sucks smoke and keeps your home safe from sparks and other fumes caused by cooking. Having a kitchen hood over a stove can save homes from burning down. However, kitchen hoods only work at their best with the regular maintenance done as indicated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

The NFPA’s Recommendations

Because kitchen hoods are electrically powered and suck up plenty of smoke in each cooking session, it is recommended to clean these exhaust systems regularly. The number of cleaning sessions needed is relative to how often you cook and to what degree. 

For solid fuel cooking that is heavy on use each day, a monthly cleaning job will ensure proper fire safety. High-volume cooking such as those in fast-food restaurants will need quarterly cleaning. Moderate-volume cooking can use a deep clean twice a year, while low-volume cooking like home-based ranges can make do with an annual clean. 

However, take note that the kind of food being cooked will warrant more cleaning as per NFPA’s instructions. Food like beef is heavy on smoke when being grilled, which means the ducts will need cleaning every two weeks for restaurants that use massive amounts of beef products. 

Cleaning Never Stops

Remember that after cooking, grease from oils splatters all over the kitchen hood and the range’s surface. When dried up, these can be difficult to clean and can pose health and fire hazards. It is always recommended to clean ranges and stoves after every use, or during closing hours in restaurants. 

Running a mild detergent liquid through a spray bottle and wiping down the surfaces should easily clean out gunk and grease. Make sure to pick up food items that have spilled out of cooking pans and pots and dispose of them accordingly. 

When it comes to grease extractor filters, you’ll want to clean these regularly by soaking them in a cleaning solution. Scrubbing and scraping are also effective at removing grime. Some kitchen hood filters are washer safe, which means that cleaning these will be much easier. 

Cleaning a range will ensure proper fire safety and better sanitation due to less bacterial buildup. 

Duct Cleanliness Is Important

Ducts are responsible for leading smoke out of the kitchen. When these turn black because of soot and smoke, this can be hazardous to health. When conducting regular cleaning, a power washer is best for an effortless strip down and a deep clean. Your local contractor is equipped to clean out any dirt and grime deep into the duct system, as this takes skill and experience.

By ensuring that all parts work correctly, everything is clean, and that the electricals are in great shape, you’ll provide the best fire safety for your kitchen. 

Conclusion

Cooking isn’t just about firing up your stove and forgetting about it once you’re done. It generates plenty of smoke as fires heat up ingredients, so ensure that your home or restaurant continuously monitors your kitchen components. When working with flames or heat, fire protection must be at its most optimal to reduce risks and threats. 

Atlantic Fire Pro is a premium fire suppression installation company in New Jersey that deals with the field of kitchen activity, fire extinguisher products, and other emergency fire systems. Contact us to know more about our services and available fire protection essentials. 

It’s easy to see portable fire extinguishers installed in various places in any retail store, commercial space, or industrial facility. As the name suggests, it is an active fire protection device used to extinguish and control small flames during emergency situations. It consists of a substance that cools the burning materials, deprives the fire of oxygen, and stops the chemical reactions occurring in the flame.

As prevalent as these are in society today, one of the frequently asked questions is whether you should get your fire extinguishers replaced or recharged. To help answer this question, here are four major considerations to helping you pick when you’re undergoing a fire extinguisher inspection:

1. Repair consideration

The first thing to assess is if you feel that your fire extinguishers need to be repaired. The chances are that there’s a problem with the canister, hose, gauge, nozzles, or handle—all of which could render your unit useless. 

If not, some of the parts or components of your extinguishers may have gone missing. Here’s the catch: there’s no such thing as a fire extinguisher “repair” option. When you are faced with damaged components or missing parts, the next course of action is to have the affected parts or the whole unit replaced! If you notice anything wrong with your unit’s physical condition, then contact a fire extinguisher inspection service immediately.

2. Recharging frequency

As per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, fire extinguishers can remain in service for twelve years. This means that you can leave your unit uncharged even for this long. However, there are certain circumstances where it has to be recharged as soon as possible. 

Here’s when you should consider charging your extinguishers:

• If it’s been discharged but is still in good working condition
• If a small amount of pressure has been released
• If it has never been recharged in twelve years

3. Replacement requirement

As a rule of thumb set by the NFPA, you should have your fire extinguisher replacement every twelve years. Even when there is nothing wrong with your extinguishers, it’s still best to do so!

However, there are visible signs you finally need a unit replacement, as follows:

• A broken or missing pin on the handle
• An unstable handle
• Slow pressure loss
• A missing inspection tag
• Visible corrosion or rust
• A Cracked, ripped, or clogged hose or nozzle

4. Economic factor

Another vital factor to consider is the cost associated with recharging or replacing your fire extinguishers. At times, replacing the whole unit can be more affordable than recharging it. Be sure to shop around and get multiple quotes and compare both the recharging and replacement costs. 

For the utmost safety of people and your business, having a brand new, working extinguisher can ultimately be a great solution, no matter the cost!

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what factors to consider when choosing between a fire extinguisher replacement and recharging. As discussed above, consider the following vital factors—repair consideration, recharging frequency, replacement requirement, and the economic factor. 

It’s best to invest in durable and high-quality fire extinguishers so you can expect them to last for as long as possible. It’s also required to have thorough monthly professional inspections to ensure they’re in top shape and working conditions. During the inspection, check to see if you need fire protection devices merely recharged or totally replaced!

In need of a fire extinguisher inspection in New Jersey to help you decide between getting it replaced or recharged? We’ve got you covered! At Atlantic Fire Protection, we have a wide selection of fire protection systems and services for your restaurant, commercial business, and apartment buildings. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Unfortunately, establishments with indoor kitchens experience fire accidents all the time. According to data supplied by West Bend insurance, approximately 8,160 fire accidents hit restaurants each year—with more than 50% of them caused by cooking equipment!

Investing in fire suppression installations and regular fire extinguisher refills do a great deal when it comes to ensuring that your restaurant is safe from accidents. Despite these fail-safes, you will still need to have staff trained to handle the fire suppression equipment you have installed on your premises.

Every member of your staff needs to be prepared for the worst, but they should also adopt certain safety practices in their everyday duties. With employees actively avoiding actions that can potentially lead to a kitchen fire, your restaurant business will be in far less danger than before. 

1. Assign emergency roles

The first thing to do is to assign roles to your staff in case of an emergency. If each member of your team is given a role and is made aware of their responsibilities, your employees are less likely to panic in the event of an actual fire. In such an instance, they will know to take definite actions to suppress or mitigate the damages.

For example, your wait-staff could be assigned to crowd control and would be responsible for getting your patrons to safety. Meanwhile, your kitchen staff could be responsible for maintaining your fire suppression systems and using the fire extinguishers in a fire emergency. If the fire is too big for your team, someone should also be assigned to alert the local fire department too.

2. Conduct regular fire safety drills 

Once the roles have been assigned, it’s essential to practice them regularly through fire safety drills. The said drills should take place a few times each month to keep them fresh in their minds. In doing so, your business’ fire safety practices can be ingrained on your employee’s minds, allowing them to perform their roles on autopilot when the real emergencies hit your premises.

3. Incentivize safety practices 

As in all things in life, prevention is always better than cure. To prevent a fire emergency from occurring in the first place, you can incentivize specific fire precautionary measures to have them adopted in an everyday work setting. 

Some fire safety practices that you can adopt and incentivize through a small price or reward include the following: 

4. Get rid of grease 

According to the US Fire Administration, fire departments in the US responded to an average of 188,800 cooking fires from 2014 to 2016, 47% of which were caused by ignited oils, fat, and grease. This means that getting rid of grease accumulation in your kitchen could lower your fire hazard risks by a tremendous amount!

As such, to prevent a fire accident, regularly clean your broilers, convection ovens, grills, fryers, and range hoods. 

Designate a smoking area

It’s a good idea to designate a dedicated smoking area and ensure strict implementation. Ensure that nobody, not even your kitchen staff, is smoking near your kitchen to avoid combustible materials’ accidental ignition. 

Dispose of garbage properly and regularly 

Trash can accumulate quickly in restaurants, which require proper cleaning and disposal protocols to be followed. To avoid a fire, store easily combustible materials, like linens and paper boxes, away from heat and cooking sources. 

Conclusion 

Combining fire safety practices and emergency preparedness is the best way to go when it comes to avoiding or mitigating the risks of a fire accident. While it can take a significant amount of time and financing, the cost and effort are worth the trouble, especially when you factor in the potential losses you can incur from not doing so!

Atlantic Fire Protection is your best bet for all your fire suppression installation needs. We provide the highest quality service for the most affordable of prices in New Jersey & Pennsylvania; just send us your current invoice, and we’ll beat the price—guaranteed! Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Many people don’t think about fires when going to work, but no matter how small or big the business is, fire safety should never be placed at the backseat of your long-list of priorities. It’s an easy feature to overlook, but establishing a reliable fire protection system in the office should never be underestimated. 

This is especially important if you consider how fire emergencies are a lot more common in workplaces than you think. A spark of flame can engulf the whole building without the property strategy and fire equipment in place, so don’t skimp out on equipping yourself with knowledge involving fire emergency plans.

With that in mind, the list below explores some of the common places and situations that start fires in offices: 

1. Faulty Electrical Equipment 

Seeing as offices manage plenty of electrical equipment on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the biggest culprits behind workplace fires. The root of the problem can vary between loose wires, overloading an outlet, faulty plugs, and wrong connections that can potentially ignite issues. 

Offices that are maximizing worn-out equipment and failing to fix minor electrical problems for money-saving reasons will only backfire, so it’s best to upgrade your equipment and ensure everything is in good, working condition. 

2. Faulty Cooking Appliances Or Negligent Practices In The Kitchen 

Offices pay attention to providing a kitchen as it offers a space where employees can take a break, but that doesn’t mean you can be too lax. Handling cooking appliances seem like a no-brainer, but mishandling items like microwaves, kettles, toasters, and stoves are all it takes to create a hazardous environment. 

You can minimize the risk by ensuring all staff members are aware that food must not be left unattended when it is heating. Setting rules that plug and switches should be turned off when not in use can do wonders in preventing a catastrophe from taking place. 

3. Clutter And Combustible Materials 

If the workplace is surrounded by a mess of combustible materials, then it poses a high risk for everyone. Lack of proper management and storage can increase the chances of mishandling, which can, later on, start a fire. 

Ensuring your staff has the appropriate training on managing flammable materials is a must if you want to avoid running into these costly accidents. 

The Bottom Line: Preventing Common Workplace Fires By Practicing Awareness And Precaution In Overlooked Places

Even if everyone is practicing caution, accidents can still happen. However, the danger doesn’t have to spiral out of control so long as you have fire preventive equipment set in place – be it fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and working emergency sign exits. 

These resources will ensure the safety of everyone, allowing you and employees to douse the flames or reach a safer destination in case the problem gets out of hand. 

If you’re looking to replace your fire extinguishers and other fire protection services in New Jersey, we are your best option! We can install all the fire prevention you need – from kitchen suppression systems, hoods, and exit lighting to ensure your workplace is as ready as it can be to handle emergencies. Contact us at (732) 443-0608 to see how we can help you!

The fire suppression system installed in your commercial establishment plays a crucial role in keeping it safe from untoward accidents. If a fire breaks on your property late in the evening or when your whole team is away, it is your last line of defense. Your fire sprinkler systems can save your property as well as the establishments near it. 

Since this system has such a critical function, you need to make sure that it is up-to-date, dependable, and in good working order. You may be following all the safety measures to prevent fire, but you can never be truly safe without a functioning suppression system. 

To help you inspect your system better and determine whether you need repair or replacement services, look for these telltale signs: 

1. Corrosion 

Your sprinkler system uses water, so there is a higher chance of corrosion to occur. If you see signs of rust or discoloration in the water, or if you notice a rotten egg smell, these all indicate corrosion. 

Take note that rust can easily eat a hole in the pipes and cause them to leak. Soon enough, the whole system can be compromised. To avoid further and more costly damages, it is best to address this issue as soon as you see its signs. 

2. Damage on the Sprinkler Heads 

The sprinkler heads, as well as the pipes, can suffer damages due to various reasons. It can be caused by vandalism, the typical wear and tear, or other accidents during the renovation or construction of your building. 

If you notice issues that may have been caused by these, it is best to work with experts to install a protective cage around the heads. 

3. Leaks

As mentioned above, corrosion can cause leaks. Aside from this, they can also be caused by a variety of issues such as defective equipment, improper installation, or lack of regular maintenance services. 

Whatever the cause may be, there’s one thing that you should do: call a repair professional expert in fire sprinkler systems. They can conduct the inspection for you to get to the root of the problem and let you know whether you will need a repair or a replacement. 

Repair Vs. Replacement: How to Know What You Really Need

You will be able to know what kind of service you need by taking a look at the age and state of your fire suppression system. If it is relatively new and there is only small-scale corrosion, a repair may be able to fix the problem. 

However, if your sprinkler system is quite old and you find yourself having to repair it more frequently, going with replacement is the smarter choice. This may sound like an expensive project, but you don’t have to worry—usually, you won’t have to replace the whole system altogether. In most cases, you only need to work on 20% of the whole system to address the problem. 

Conclusion

Whether you have minor or major issues with your fire sprinkler system, you must get in touch with a technician right away. The days you leave obvious signs of a problem unaddressed are also the days you are leaving your commercial property vulnerable in case of a fire. Do not wait for an accident to happen; work on your system and protect your employees, your business, and your valued customers. 

Need help with fire suppression installation in New Jersey? We can lend a hand! We’re a licensed company providing Ansul fire installation as well as fire inspection and repairs. Get in touch with us today and our team of experienced technicians will be happy to discuss how we can help. 

If you own a restaurant, the last thing you want to happen is to have a kitchen fire. Not only will this damage your property, but it can cost the lives of people and shut your business. This is why a kitchen fire suppression system is usually installed in these areas.

A fire suppression system is meant to suppress a fire in case of a sudden spark, as it instantly stops the fire even before it gets out of control. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can sit back once this system is set and feel safe and protected.

The truth is, regular inspection of your system is still required, though this matter is occasionally overlooked. In this article, we will share all that restaurant owners should know about an inspection on their fire suppression systems:

Primary purposes of the inspection

If you’re wondering why the inspection of your kitchen fire suppression system is necessary, here are the primary purposes:

• To ensure the system’s overall condition and proper functioning
• To avoid unnecessary or untimely discharge
• To comply with the code enforcement and keep up with the insurance requirements

If you were required to install a fire suppression system for your restaurant’s kitchen, be sure to uphold the importance of inspection and implement it regularly.

Parts of the fire suppression system being inspected

It’s worth knowing that a kitchen fire suppression system consists of various components. During an inspection, various parts will be thoroughly checked and tested, such as the following:

• Appliance, duct, and plenum nozzles and nozzle blow-off caps (conditions)
• Link line and detectors (conditions)
• Actuators and control components (functionality and accessibility)
• Remote pull station (functionality)
• Pressurized and non-pressurized tanks (conditions)
• Cylinders and regulator (verification of test dates)
• Piping (tightness)
• Electrical interlocks (functionality)

Frequency of the inspection

If you want to know how often an inspection of the kitchen fire suppression system should be performed, it is typically done semi-annually. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code also requires the system to be checked by a trained and certified technician every six months. Doing so will ensure that your system is in top shape and working condition. Also, this provides certified professionals access to replacement parts and updated manuals to foster the utmost safety in your restaurant’s kitchen.

Monthly in-house inspection 

Although you are performing a system inspection semi-annually, monthly checkup and maintenance will still be needed. As the restaurant owner or kitchen manager, be sure to conduct the following monthly basic visual inspection:

• Inspect if the nozzles point directly to the right appliance.
• Be wary of the accumulation of dirt or grease in the duct or hood.
• Make sure that the gauges are “in the green” and operable range.
• Ensure an intact tamper indicator.
• Make the pull station easily accessible and unblocked.
• Check the tag to see the date of the last professional inspection.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what the inspection of your kitchen fire suppression entails. As a restaurant owner or kitchen manager, be sure to have a system checkup every six months and perform monthly inspections by following the steps discussed above. If your fire suppression system goes off or works inefficiently, it’s best to contact a fire protection company for an inspection, maintenance, and repair/replacement. Ultimately, fire safety should always be a top priority!

Are you looking to have an Ansul system inspection in New Jersey for your kitchen fire suppression system? Let us provide you with our fire protection services! We also have a wide selection of Atlantic fire protection systems and services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Emergency lights are vital to your building as it’s the safest way to maintain order during an emergency situation. However, keep in mind that not all emergency lights are created equal or have the same purposes. There’s nothing wrong with fluorescent and incandescent lights because they are still effective, yet they are not so for your emergency exit lights. New advancements in technology have paved the way for LED lights, and these are now the top choice for most lighting fixtures, including emergency lights. 

If you are trying to choose the best lighting option for your building’s emergency lights, here are five reasons you should opt for LEDs: 

They Boost Safety

Have you ever touched an incandescent bulb before and got your hand nearly scorched from the heat? This is because this type of light bulb tends to get dangerously hot and prone to explosion, which is why they shouldn’t be used as emergency exit lights, or it could blow up in the middle of the night. 

On the other hand, you won’t have a problem with LED bulbs because they can shine for a long period without getting too hot. Additionally, the bulbs don’t explode, which is why it’s safer to use for emergency lights compared to other types of bulbs. 

They Provide More Efficiency

As mentioned, LEDs don’t burn like incandescent lights because they don’t rely on burning a filament. However, you will be surprised that they work similarly like incandescent bulbs, yet they are thinner and lighter, which makes them more economical and efficient. Additionally, they can last for a long time on low-temperature performance as well. 

They Offer More Brightness

Compared to other types of lights, LEDs are much brighter. Their brightness is unparalleled, and you can easily see them from maximum distances. That said, this type of light is an excellent way to point out modes of egress so that people can evacuate safely from the building during an emergency. 

They Reduce Power Consumption

One of the reasons LEDs are popular these days is because they consume less electricity compared to other options on the market. For this reason, when you’re choosing which type of bulbs to use for your emergency exit lights, LEDs will undoubtedly be your best option. When the power’s out, the lights will provide proper illumination without you worrying about high electricity bills. 

They Remove the Need for Frequent Replacement

Unlike other bulbs, LEDs can last longer. This essentially means that you don’t have to think about frequent bulb replacement. The bulbs that you install today in your emergency exit lights will last for a long time, which is why they also reduce your expenditure, as mentioned. 

Conclusion

Are you still thinking if LED lights are better to use for your building’s emergency lights? The five reasons above are enough to convince you to make the switch. They are more efficient, long-lasting, and practical to use. Additionally, they provide more brightness, which is crucial during the evacuation from the building in case of an emergency. 

At this point, you now know that you don’t have to spend much money on LEDs. In fact, you get to save more, considering all its benefits that you won’t get from other types of bulbs. If you want to make the most out of your bulbs and don’t want to worry about replacing them often, LEDs are the way to go. 

If you are looking for high-quality emergency exit lights, our experts at Atlantic Fire Pro have you covered. We are a mobile emergency light and exit sign maintenance company that also offers emergency lighting inspection services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!