SFA Fire Protection Now with Fire Control Systems

SFA Fire Protection, based in Salisbury, NC, has joined Fire Control Systems to strengthen fire protection services in the region.  The same SFA team many businesses have come to trust and rely on for years will continue their work.  Customers with multiple locations will enjoy consistent pricing and coverage across their business with the combined…

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#FirePreventionWeek 2021: Sounds of Fire Safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) celebrates Fire Prevention Week every October.  This year, everyone in fire protection is focusing on sounds, whether from smoke detectors or full on emergency sirens, alerting you to fire hazards.  Sound awareness is extremely important for visually impaired and blind individuals. TFS’ parent company Marmic Fire & Safety® released…

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Types of Fire Sprinkler Heads

There are four primary types of sprinkler heads for fire protection. Each one is specifically designed to extinguish fires and they come in a variety of temperatures, finishes and sizes. The right choice for your building will cover the main areas that are susceptible to fires. Pendant Sprinkler Head Pendant sprinkler heads are the most…

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Causes of Manufacturing Fires and Explosions

Manufacturing plants have a high risk of fires or explosions.  Equipment and various machinery pose a significant fire hazard if not properly maintained.  Do not risk devastating effects from a manufacturing accident!  Here are some common causes of fires and explosions. Hot Work Hot work is one of the leading causes of manufacturing fires across…

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Wet Chemical Fire Suppression Systems

Installing a wet chemical suppression system can protect your restaurant and its occupants. Most restaurant fires originate from cooking equipment.  Fires in cooking areas can cause thousands of dollars in damage and shut down operations for days or weeks or longer.  Installing a wet chemical suppression system is less expensive than repairing fire and smoke…

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Fire Safety Training Saves Lives!

Why is fire safety training important?  If you have commercial property, you are required by law to protect everyone in the building from the threat of fire.  The risks and hazards present need to be identified and the appropriate fire safety measures must be installed accordingly.  This can include fire alarm systems, emergency lighting and…

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What are ABC Fire Extinguishers?

ABC fire extinguishers are often the ideal choice because they can put out many different types of fires.  They use a dry chemical known as monoammonium phosphate that can quickly put out the fire.  It is a pale-yellow powder that is used to extinguish three classes of fire.  ABC fire extinguishers are considered “tri-class” or “multi-purpose” extinguishers which…

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Water Mist vs. Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems put out or slow the growth of fires by drenching them and the surrounding area with water, removing heat and potential fuel sources.  Water mist systems work by cooling the room temperature and displacing oxygen with steam.  Both systems use water but in different ways.  The key difference is the size of…

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Laboratory Fire Safety

A laboratory at workplaces and educational centers uses and stores chemicals and materials that are highly flammable, toxic and sometimes explosive.  In order to prevent unplanned fires, laboratory staff must remain constantly aware of the presence, the location and the number of fuel-air-ignition sources.  Laboratory fire safety is a set of procedures intended to prevent…

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Office Kitchen Fire Safety

Office kitchen fires account for over 20 percent of commercial building fires according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and cooking equipment is the source of 29 percent of those fires.  While office kitchen fires may start small, they can lead to significant structural damage to your building.  When your employees are properly trained about…

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Emergency Fire Response Procedures

An emergency fire response plan can save lives when a fire occurs.  Chaos and confusion can reign when a fire threatens your employees and business.  A detailed and rehearsed emergency fire response plan is the best way to prevent this from happening.  By providing your employees with the proper evacuation training, they will be able to leave the office quickly…

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Maintaining Your Fire Suppression Systems

Maintaining your fire suppression systems are vital to ensure that they work properly when a fire occurs.  Fire suppression systems often work in conjunction with a fire alarm system to provide safety and protection for a building or area.  There are many different types of fire suppression systems which include:  Clean agent systems  Fire extinguishers  Wet…

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FLAMES DIFFERENT COLORS EXPLAINED

The flames of a fire have several different colors.  The colors in the flames represent the different substances that are undergoing combustion in the fire.  Hotter fires burn with more energy which are different colors than cooler fires.   Although red usually means hot or danger, in fires it indicates cooler temperatures.  While blue represents cooler…

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FCS Attends Cracker Barrel’s 2019 Managers Conference

Fire Control Systems attended the Cracker Barrel 2019 Managers Conference celebrating 50 years of pleasing people since 1969.  We learned about the new developments within the organization and the sales driving initiatives.  The conference created opportunities to meet the senior executives and interact with other suppliers. Cracker Barrel began in 1969 and had 13 locations…

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What Does UL 300 Mean?

Underwriter Laboratories wrote a standard for restaurant suppression systems called UL 300 that outlines specific guidelines that must be met to receive a UL 300 label.  Each system manufacturer is required to submit their system for testing by the Underwriters Laboratories to ensure that it will work with today’s commercial cooking equipment.  Since 2014, most…

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Benefits of Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems

Fire protection systems sometimes damage or even destroy the items they are intended to protect.  Clean agent fire suppression systems were developed to prevent damage of equipment, records, people and other assets that are vital to a business.  They use gas instead of water to put out the fire without causing damage.  When heat or…

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FIRE SAFETY IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

In healthcare facilities, a fire can be devastating to the patients and workers.  Many people in hospitals can’t leave their beds because of their physical condition or medical status.  This makes fire prevention a primary concern for managers, staff and patients in hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.  Here are some important…

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Electrical Fire Safety Tips

Electrical fire safety can prevent fires from starting.  A building’s electric grid carries a tremendous load between running equipment, powering the HVAC system and keeping the lights on.  Whether they are out in the field, on the factory floor or in the office, employees need to be aware of potential electrical hazards and know how…

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Fire Safety in the Laboratory

A laboratory has a high risk for fires, especially if solvents are used and stored in the lab.  Having a fire prevention procedure to follow is essential to minimize the potential fire risks.  There are two types of fires in the lab.  A planned fire can have open flames from a Bunsen burner, torch or…

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fcs manufacturing

Preventing Manufacturing Plant Fires

Most manufacturing plant fires are preventable.  They can kill and injure people and cause billions of dollars’ worth of property damage each year.  Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent fires and protect your business.  Although a manufacturing plant can’t be completely fireproof, there are three important fire prevention things your plant can…

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fcs water mist

What are Water Mist Systems?

Have you heard about water mist systems?  They are high pressure water systems that use 80-90% less water than tradition sprinkler systems.   This type of fire suppression is a good option for places that need to protect equipment or buildings from water damage. A water mist system mixes water with either oxygen or nitrogen to…

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FCS Electrical

Class C Extinguishers Fight Electrical Fires

An essential part of any fire safety plan is knowing which fire extinguisher to use on the different kinds of fires.  Electrical, chemical, or flammable liquid fires are fought with different approaches and require specific types of extinguishers.  Class C fires are known as electrical fires and require a class C fire extinguisher to put…

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fcs workplace fire

Preventing Workplace Fires

Fires destroy property, cause injuries, and take lives.  Workplace fires can also mean the termination of jobs.  The best way to teach employees how to prevent workplace fires is through fire safety training.  If employees know the best ways to prevent fires, they can help promote a safer workplace. Tips to prevent workplace fires include:…

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fcs winterize

TIME TO WINTERIZE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Winter weather is here!  It is time to winterize your sprinkler system from cold temperatures.  Sprinkler components and pipes are vulnerable to freezing.  Fire sprinkler systems are less effective and responsive if they aren’t winterized.  It also increases the risk of pipes bursting which can cause severe water damage.  It is important to winterize your…

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clean agent oct

Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems Explained

Clean agent fire suppression systems use inert gases and chemical agents to extinguish a fire.  They are used in areas where water would destroy valuable assets, records, and equipment.  They are water-less and don’t leave an oily residue behind that can damage irreplaceable items.  The way they work and how they can benefit your company…

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fcs restaurant fire

RESTAURANT FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Restaurants have a high risk of fire due to their open flames, hot equipment, cooking oils, electrical connections and paper products. A fire can destroy a restaurant, causing lost revenues and possibly permanent closure.    Fire prevention and protection are critical to keep your business safe.  Here are a few restaurant fire safety tips to prevent…

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Why Fire Safety Training is Important

Fire safety training can save lives.  It’s as simple as that.  Fires destroy property, cause injuries, and take lives.  A fire in the workplace can mean the termination of jobs since many offices and factories destroyed by fire are never rebuilt.  Fire safety training is about making sure everyone knows what to do in case…

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high rise fire

ESCAPING A HIGH-RISE BUILDING FIRE

What do you do if you are on the 20th floor of a high-rise building and a fire breaks out?  Most high-rise buildings have fire and life safety systems designed to control a fire and lessen the need to evacuate all occupants.  High-rise building fire alarm systems are required to have emergency voice communication capability. …

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HEALTHCARE FIRE SAFETY

In healthcare facilities, a fire can result in substantial property damage, injuries, and death.  Many patients can’t leave their beds because of their physical condition or medical status. The elderly and those with limited mobility are the most vulnerable when a fire breaks out in a healthcare facility.  The volatile chemicals, oxygen supplies, and other…

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fire safety

Fire Safety is Small Business Safety

A workplace fire can have disastrous consequences for small business owners.  Following fire safety laws can keep your business and employees safe.  You should be able to eliminate most fire risks by following these fire safety rules. Fire Exits  All workplace buildings must have at least two fire exits that are not close to each…

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first aid kit fcs

WORKPLACE FIRST AID KITS

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated number of three million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries are being reported every year. To prevent minor workplace injuries from becoming serious, OSHA requires that first aid supplies and responders should be made available to treat injuries occurring in the workplace.  All workplaces including…

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fcs sprinkler maintenance

MAINTAINING FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Every second counts when a fire starts!  Having properly functioning fire sprinkler systems can mean the difference between people getting out safely and protecting your property.  A well-maintained fire sprinkler system buys the time needed by suppressing the fire until firefighters arrive to extinguish it.  That is why it is important for your sprinkler system…

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Fire Control Systems Helps MDA

Fire Control Systems Supports the 19th Annual MDA Bojangles’ Golf Classic

Fire Control Systems proudly participated in the 19th Annual Bojangles’ Golf Classic benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and McColl Lockwood Research Laboratory.  It was successful in raising $277,000 to fund research to find a cure and treatments for neuromuscular diseases.  We enjoyed supporting a cause that is making a big difference in the lives…

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Prevent Electrical FIres

PREVENTING ELECTRICAL FIRES

Electrical fires consistently rank among the top five causes of commercial building fires involving health clinics and hospitals, manufacturing plants, nursing homes, warehouses, farming operations, bars and restaurants.  The recognition of fire hazards is the first step in preventing fires. They are frequently caused by defects in wiring, motors, switches, lamps and heating elements.  Fires…

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Clean Agent Suppression Systems

CLEAN AGENT SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS PROTECT COMPUTERS

Fire protection systems sometimes harm – and even destroy – the very items they are intended to protect.   Using water to extinguish fire can cause damage to any sort of valuable electronic equipment, like computers, servers, etc..   Clean agent fire suppression systems are liquid-free and deploy immediately without leaving behind oily residue or water that…

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Bojangles 40th Anniversary

Fire Control Systems Celebrates Bojangles 40th Anniversary

Fire Control Systems attended Bojangles 40th Anniversary Celebration June 12-15, 2017.  The 2017 conference was truly special, as Bojangles celebrated 40 years of serving families and communities unique, wholesome, and flavorful food. There was an action packed agenda for our company restaurant leaders and franchise partners, as well as celebrating our extraordinary 40 year history…

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active fire control vs passive fire control

Active Fire Protection vs. Passive Fire Protection

What do you think of when someone asks about your building’s fire protection system?  You probably think about its smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.  But it is really a collaboration of the two types of fire protection systems, Active Fire Protection and Passive Fire Protection.  Do you know the difference between Active Fire Protection and…

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Carbon Monoxide

Don’t Become a Victim of the Silent Killer

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that is completely invisible and can affect you without your knowledge.  It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as gasoline, coal, oil, natural gas, propane, coke and wood. It is known as the Silent Killer.  Gas stoves, fires, heating boilers, gas-powered water heaters, paraffin…

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Fire Control Systems Helps MDA

Fire Control Systems Participates in Bojangles’ 18th Annual Golf Classic for MDA

Fire Control Systems joined the Bojangles’ 18th Annual Golf Classic on October 3rd at Providence Country Club.  Fire Control Systems joined as a sponsor helping to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  We were excited to be a part of this wonderful charity golf event. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a nonprofit…

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Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week Safety Tips

This month we celebrate Fire Prevention Week, Oct 9-15, 2016!   According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), over 5,000 people are injured from workplace fires each year.  National Fire Prevention Week was first established way back in 1911 as a single day to observe the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and inform the public about fire…

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best fire extinguisher

Choosing the Best Fire Extinguisher for Your Building

With so many different options for a fire extinguisher, how do you decide which is the best fire extinguisher for your building?  Some are designed to put out fires caused by everyday combustible materials like wood, paper and plastic; others for flammable liquids like gasoline or petroleum; still others for electrical fires – the list goes…

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office fire hazard

Preventing Office Fires…It’s Your Job!

There are around 5,000 fires in commercial and office buildings every year. Obviously, you don’t want your building to become part of that statistic. So, here are some tips for preventing and dealing with commercial building fires: 1. Keep all wiring and electrical equipment up to date and well maintained. Electrical fires are the most…

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fire sprinkler systems

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives!

Most everyone believes that fire sprinklers save lives.  Why?  Because it’s proven by statistics.  Smoke alarms and fire sprinkler systems reduce the risk of death in home fires by 82%, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In spite of knowing that fire sprinklers save lives, business continue to not install fire sprinkler systems. In reported…

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Fire Sprinklers, A Fire’s Worst Enemy

Fire sprinklers save lives!  That’s a fact. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire sprinklers operated in 91% of all reported structure fires large enough to activate fire sprinklers, excluding buildings under construction and buildings without sprinklers in the fire area. When fire sprinklers operated, they were effective 96% of the time, resulting in…

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