Having your commercial property outfitted with a fire sprinkler system to protect everyone and everything is vital. To help you in your decision-making process, here are some questions you will want to ask before choosing an installation company.

What to Ask a Fire Sprinkler System Installer

Sure, selecting features for a commercial property can often come down to the price tag. But don’t let that be the sole determining factor when looking at fire sprinkler systems. Here are some other criteria to keep in mind.

Does the fire sprinkler company have any accreditations?

Ideally, the company you select for installing your sprinkler system will have met the standards required by a third-party, such as those set forth by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency), the UL Fire Sprinkler Testing and Certification Service, or the International Code Council (ICC). These organizations are there to see that fire sprinkler installation companies know all there is to prevent fires and install systems designed to have the maximum effect if a fire occurs.

How much training do your sprinkler system installers have?

A fire sprinkler system needs to be inspected annually, and you want people doing it who are up to date on any changes or new information regarding fire safety and commercial property. Be sure that the company you hire has ongoing education opportunities for their installation crew and, if applicable, those who do the inspections as well. In addition, it is crucial that the installation crew have all the possible training so you can be sure your system is installed correctly and safely.

Does the company have any specializations?

While this is not necessarily a deal-breaker, your fire safety needs will be different from those of a restaurant if you are building a hotel. When you talk with a sprinkler system provider, having one who is well-versed in your particular business will offer an advantage. In addition, depending on the size of your property and how it will be used, there may be a specific fire sprinkler system that would be better than another. A company that specializes in a particular type of sprinkler system or property will be able to help you make the best decision.

What does the price include?

No, there’s no price tag on the value of a person’s life, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask the price of a fire sprinkler system and be sure you know exactly what that price tag includes. Keep in mind that a system’s cost will vary based on several factors. Some of these are:

·      Size of the building

·      Age of the building

·      If an older building, is it a historic site with particular requirements?

·      What is being protected

·      Will inspections have to be after traditional business hours?

·      Is there any special equipment needed?

Other aspects that can affect the price of a fire sprinkler system include:

·      Disposal fees

·      Trip charges

·      Type of fuel that may be needed

·      How many devices do you have

·      Replacement for any seals, links, pins, etc.

Who are your clients?

There’s nothing wrong with asking a potential fire sprinkler system company to provide you with a list -be sure to ask for a list that includes both current and former accounts – of their clients. Once you have that list, take the time to contact as many of them as possible and find out what type of company you will be dealing with.

These are just a few of the questions you should ask a potential fire sprinkler installation company. Having these answers can help you decide and go a long way towards protecting your investment. Have other concerns about fire safety or sprinkler systems? Contact the Code 4 Team today. We are here to help.

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When it comes to fire safety at hotels and motels, owners and managers must do their part to ensure guests are kept safe. Why? Consider these facts from the U.S. Fire Administration regarding hospitality venues:

• Every year there are just under 4,000 hotel and motel fires. These resulted in 15 deaths, 100 injuries, and $100 million in property loss.
• The leading cause of fires in hotels and motels is cooking.
• With proper signage and precautions, you can reduce the risk of a fire at your establishment by as much as 55%.
• Not surprisingly, hotel fires are more prevalent during cooler months, with the peak being in February.

Fire Safety and Your Hotel

Hotel and motel fire safety can be achieved, and often without breaking the bank. Here are some proactive measures you can implement at your hospitality location.

1. Have clear signage that includes instructions such as “keep door closed,” “No Smoking,” or other statements that will help guests know what is expected in a particular area.
2. Create a safety plan for guests and employees alike. Be sure your staff knows the plan, and ensure a copy of the plan is in each room of your hotel.
3. Be sure that the fire evacuation plan, along with a picture of the path to be taken from specific areas, is posted throughout the building.
4. Have emergency exits visible for all occupants from any part of the building.
5. Be sure that boxes, shelving, etc., are never set up in a way that blocks emergency exits.
6. Keep emergency signage visible at all times, never obstructing it with anything.
7. Install emergency lighting. Typically, in a fire, all other building systems will be shut down. However, emergency lighting is designed to provide enough light for guests to escape.
8. Have safety points for guests. These are locations where guests can congregate safely. Depending on the size of your venue, you may need more than one.
9. Have regular reviews by fire safety inspectors to ensure that your facility is up to code and that all fire safety systems are working correctly.
10. Do frequent fire risks assessments at your facility. This includes the following:
11. Walk through your location and identify potential fire hazards. These can include damaged electrical sockets, obstructed ventilation, faulty kitchen equipment, dirty filters, etc. You should also look for any combustible items that may be stored incorrectly.
12. Recognize that your guests will always be at the most considerable risk in the event of an emergency as they are not going to know your location as well as you and your employees. More so, they may be asleep when an emergency occurs and will be disoriented. Be certain that every measure has been taken to egress possible.
13. Be sure that every floor is designed to make it safe and simple for them to get out. If this is not doable on every floor, be sure that guests with any disabilities are given rooms that make it easy to evacuate. Keep in mind that some guests may have disabilities that make evacuating more difficult.
14. Record any findings and correct them immediately.

Owning or managing a hotel or hospitality venue is an excellent occupation and allows you to interact with many people. But do your part to make their stay as pleasant as possible. One of the best ways is to ensure they are safe.

Maintaining that your commercial property is safe and that your guests are protected is essential. If you have any questions regarding the safety of your guests and any fire prevention steps you can take, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Code 4 team today.

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However, while one may recognize the validity of being proactive in fire safety and prevention, it is not enough. Unless one is also willing to take the time to ensure the fire sprinkler system is working as it should there are no guarantees the system will work correctly when/if needed. In fact, the NFPA guidelines remind us that when a commercial property has a fire sprinkler system installed the safety factor goes up and the risk of injuries and loss of life go down- significantly.

Sadly, not every business owner recognizes just how important it is for the sprinkler system to be kept up to to date. As a study by NFPA.org found, in 59% of fires where there were incidents, it was because the fire sprinkler system had been turned off! It is due to issues such as this that an ITM (inspection, testing and maintenance) needs to be planned often. (How often will depend on your local codes and requirements- though ideally, doing a basic monthly inspection is a wise idea.)

In the event that there is a fire to a piece of property, a properly functioning system will minimize the damage caused by high reaching flames by using the least and most effective and efficient amount of water. This is because when the property owner is vigilant in maintaining the fire sprinkler system, it will be able to get a ‘proper read’ on the amount of water to be released.

So, what will a basic ITM look like? As a part of any inspection, testing and maintenance procedure, the following elements should be addressed:

Have there been any occupancy changes?
Has there been any change in the materials or processes being used? For instance, did you change cleaning products or where they are being stored?
Have there been any changes, redirects or structural aspects revised? This includes relocated partitions, raised, lower, or new ceilings, or the addition of mezzanines.
Are there any modifications to a heating or cooling system that could expose the fire sprinkler system to potential freezing?

These are a just a few things that can affect the effectiveness of your commercial fire sprinkler system. So, if any of these actions have been a part of your past several months, then planning an ITM is a must.

Quick Overview of the Types of ITMs

Monthly Inspection, Testing and Maintenance for a fire sprinkler system:

Be sure the valves are accessible, properly identified and are not leaking.
Wet gauges show the right water pressure and are in working condition
Dry gauges show the same water pressure and state the same pressure on both quick-opening and dry pipeline.

Quarterly ITM:

Check that the water flow alarm and the supervisory alarm are in good working order- no cracks or leaking.
Be sure any fire department can access connections.
Check the valves for any leaks and see that they hold proper downstream pressure.

Yearly Fire Sprinkler System Inspection:

This should be done by a certified fire safety professional. They will be able to check the entire system and run diagnostics to ensure your fire sprinkler system is all you need it to be. And, if it is not, they will be able to tell you what steps need to be taken. After all, their goal is to save lives and protect property, so they are going to be vigilant in their tests.

Planning monthly, quarterly and annual ITMs is an important part of keeping your place of business safe. Make time to inspect, test and maintain your commercial fire sprinkler system-it’s worth it. Need help or have questions? Give us a call. We are here to help.

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As a business owner, you never want to be responsible for the loss of life or injury of another person- especially if it could have been avoided by ensuring your commercial property meets the standards set forth by entities such as the local fire marshal, state building inspection codes, and other code officials. These codes and standards are not designed to cause you problems but to prevent them.

Common Commercial Property Fire Safety Violations

So, while you may think that you have met all the fire safety standards, it never hurts to do a walk-through of your business location to ensure you are not in violation of everyday activities that can put your commercial property at risk. Here is a basic checklist to watch out for as you peruse your property.

Damaged or Missing Smoke Detectors

We get it. Smoke detectors are easily forgotten until they start that shrill and annoying sound when the batteries need to be replaced. So, what do so many people do? Just take out the batteries and go on about their life. However, the smoke detector is just a ceiling decoration without the batteries! This is an easy fire safety violation to fix- simply install fresh batteries when they start chirping. Or, an easy rule of thumb- change out the batteries when you set the clocks forward/back in spring and fall.

Skipping Inspections

We know you are busy and making time on your schedule to meet someone to do a property-wide fire safety inspection is tough. But it is time well spent if it means keeping everyone and everything safe. Make time on your calendar to have a licensed technician come test out your fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler system, as well as note any areas of your property that present a fire hazard or safety concern. Ideally, this should be done at least once a year.

Commercial Kitchens

Do you have a commercial kitchen on your property? If so, you must be sure that the hood system is up to code and in prime working order. You can ensure that your commercial kitchen’s hood system is up to code by conducting a routine inspection or hydrostatic testing annually. If the hood system is not working correctly, you are at risk of airborne grease and fumes causing a fire.

Fire Extinguishers

These need to be serviced annually by a certified fire extinguisher contractor. They also need to be stored properly by being mounted to the wall or on a bracket in a cabinet protected by glass, never being blocked by furniture or other objects.

Dark or Blocked Fire Exits/Passageways

Be sure that escaping a fire doesn’t involve hurtling over boxes or other items! Keep halls and passageways free of debris and products. Furthermore, be sure emergency exits are clearly identified and illuminated so people know where they can get out.

Fire Doors

Fire doors are designed specifically to contain heat and smoke. In the event of a fire, these doors make a big difference! They may cost a bit more, but they are important. Keeping them open or propped is a serious fire safety violation.

Box Storage

While storage space may be at a premium, do not stack boxes or other items directly in front of heating devices. At a minimum, things should be 36 inches away from any heat-producing items like water heaters or furnaces. If you have a fire sprinkler system, items must be at least 18 inches away from the ceiling. If you do not have a fire sprinkler system, they can be no closer than 24 inches. Furthermore, boxes and other items should be kept at least 3 feet from the front of the electrical service equipment for the entire width of the electrical panel.

Keeping your guests, employees, work equipment, and building safe is necessary. Be sure that you take time to inspect your property regularly. In addition, be sure that your employees are aware of common practices and actions that they can take to minimize the risk of fire.

If you have any questions regarding potential fire safety violations at your business, contact a local fire marshal, or give the Code 4 team a call.

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Ironically, many business owners don’t hesitate to have insurance on their property but question the need for a commercial fire sprinkler system. However, there are many reasons to install a commercial fire sprinkler system.

Before explaining some of the benefits of a fire sprinkler system for your business, let’s first address a few of the misconceptions of the fire sprinkler system.

1. Sprinkler systems DO NOT cause costly damage; instead, sprinkler systems are designed to target and control the source of the fire, thus preventing the fire from spreading.
2. A single fire does NOT trigger all the sprinklers. Instead, only the heads that sense high heat are activated when a sprinkler goes off.
3. Fire sprinklers DO NOT randomly activate. Again, they only activate when there is excessively high heat. This needed temperature is between 135 and 165 degrees.
4. While nothing lasts forever, with proper care and maintenance, fire sprinkler systems can last a significantly long time, making them worth the investment of time, money, and energy expended on maintenance.

So, now that you know that sprinkler systems are designed for your benefit consider these reasons for having a commercial fire sprinkler system.

Benefits of Having a Commercial Fire Sprinkler System

While there is never a question about the benefits of a sprinkler system for most business owners, it never hurts to note why a sprinkler system can make a significant difference. Consider these benefits of a business sprinkler system:

• Having a sprinkler system helps you stay within the limits of the law. Yes, you may only have a small business, and it might not be located in a busy commercial district, but having a sprinkler system is typically a requirement. And, depending on your location, there may be set requirements for it.
• Having a sprinkler system installed helps you save money on your business insurance. Having a good sprinkler system installed will actually help lower your insurance rates- providing you keep it maintained and passing inspections.
• If there is a fire, the sprinkler system will minimize property loss and damage. A well-maintained sprinkler system can stop a fire quickly and efficiently.
• Did you know that every year there are 15,000 people injured during a fire? Having a sprinkler system does not negate the chance of fire altogether, but it does lower the risk of injury and property damage.
• Having a sprinkler system that is adequately maintained and passes inspections lets people know that you value them as well as the property.
• Believe it or not, a sprinkler system is not something that takes a great deal of maintenance to pass inspections and stay in proper working order. Many commercial fire sprinkler systems can last upwards of 20 years when properly taken care of. At Code 4, we are here to help you keep everything in prime working order.

Having a commercial fire sprinkler system is a good investment. It means you have peace of mind knowing that you have done your part to protect your investment, as well as those in your community. If you have questions about the best type of sprinkler system or would like tips for maintaining your existing sprinkler system, contact one of the Code 4 fire safety teams. We are here help to help.

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Consider these facts:

• December through February are the peak months for home fires, with January reaching 21% more home fires.
• Confined fires are the cause of 75% of residential fires.
• According to the National Fire Protection Association, firefighters responded to a fire every 24 seconds.
• In a report by NFPA for 2018, there was $508 million in damages to industrial and manufacturing properties.
• In 2020, fires in the United States caused property loss of about $21.87 billion. This was an increase from 2019, when fires caused about $14.82 billion.
• It is estimated that in 2019 there were 110,900 non-residential fires.

These facts are good indicators that if you are a business owner or own commercial property, it is essential to take precautions to protect your property.

Winter Fire Safety for Your Business

It might be beautiful outside, but keeping the cold weather out and warmth in is no joke. It is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your employees and your property. Here are some proactive moves you can take to boost your fire safety protocols.

• Always keep at least 3 feet of space between any flammable objects and a heat source. This includes boxes of paper, articles of clothing, Styrofoam, or any other products that can easily incite a fire.
• Have your sprinkler system, any carbon monoxide detectors, and fire alarms checked at least twice a year. These systems are of no use for minimizing fire if they are working incorrectly.
• Be sure your HVAC system and electrical system are in proper working order. Believe it or not, there is an average of 200 workers (or 22%) killed each year from fires that could have been prevented with proper maintenance.
• Pay attention to electrical cords in the office. Be sure that cords and outlets are not overloaded.
• We all know that one person who is cold when everyone else is comfortable- or even warm. And, while space heaters are nice, they are also dangerous. Ideally, don’t have them in an office area. If you allow them, be sure that they have automatic shut-offs and are only used in well-ventilated areas. In addition, take care to keep them away from any flammable materials.
• If you are working on a commercial job site, and use a portable generator, then be sure that they are outside and away from windows.
• As a basic fire safety protocol, have fire drills for your employees on a regular basis. Make certain that everyone knows the route and protocol for your location.
• If your building is multi-storied, have working emergency escape ladders.
• While electric heat systems are the most common in commercial spaces, should your retail location have natural gas heat, then be sure that it is maintained often.

Beyond all of these safety precautions, educating your employees on all fire safety procedures is necessary. Whether it is through lunch and learn programs or being required to read your company’s Emergency Action Plan, having employees who know what to do in the event of a fire and how to minimize the risk of fire is vital.

Fire safety is vitally important no matter the time of year, but when cold weather strikes, it can be easy to overlook those actions that can be unsafe. Following these fire safety tips for colder weather is important. If you have questions about how safe your commercial property or residence is, contact your local fire department or visit the Code 4 Fire Watch blog.

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Workplace fire safety can be achieved in many ways, but one of the easiest is paying attention to the items brought into or stored at the office. And, while no two workplaces are alike, there are common concerns that business owners need to be aware of to minimize the risk of a fire.

Common Flammable Items in the Workspace

Not sure how safe your office workspace is? Then take a walk around your business, and note if you see any of the following items- then take steps to remove them – or at least minimize the risk they present.

Aerosol Cans – Whether it is hair spray, air freshener, a cleaning agent, or some other item purchased in an aerosol can, these products can put your workspace at risk. Why? Because these cans contain propane or butane, and if they are exposed to flame or if there is an extreme change in temperature, the chances of a fire are significant.

Kitchen Items – Does your workplace have a shared kitchen? If so, then be sure to pay close attention to the items used there. If you do have a stove that gets used for frying things, be sure to have a box of baking soda (you cannot use water to put out a grease fire!) handy or a fire extinguisher nearby! Products such as drain cleaners and cooking oils are especially flammable.

Power Cords – Take a walk around your office and check out all power cords, extension cords, and electrical outlets. If any of the cords are frayed, or if extension cords have been overloaded, then you are taking a fire risk. Be sure that extension cords and plugs are only being used for what they are designed to power. Also, if electrical outlets are damaged or loose, you may want to replace them. An additional concern to note- be sure that papers, boxes, Styrofoam, or fabric are not left stacked in front of outlets as they can be easily ignited in the event of an electrical outlet malfunction.

Space heaters – We get it; not everyone is comfortable at the same room temperature! However, allowing workers to bring in space heaters is dangerous. In fact, space heaters are responsible for 80% of winter heating deaths. Encourage those who find it cooler in the workspace to wear layers rather than bringing in space heaters or consider turning the heat up a couple of degrees.

Cleaning Supplies and Other Liquids – Be sure to pay attention to any storage information on cleaning products and chemicals you may use in your office. After all, there are certain chemicals that, when mixed, can be highly flammable. Be sure those products are stored safely and away from each other!

Cigarette Butts – While many workplaces do not allow smoking in the building, it is also crucial that any designated smoking area is clearly marked and away from anything that could present a fire hazard. It might cost a little more to set up a safe smoking area, but it is better than dealing with a fire that could have been prevented! In addition, be sure that there are fire-safe receptacles for the cigarette butts to be disposed of.

Styrofoam – Styrofoam is often used in the workspace for many things- from food storage to packing materials, it is a common item. However, it is also quite flammable. If you must have it in your workspace, be sure that it is used and stored correctly, as well as disposed of safely.

Solvents – If you work in a facility where products such as turpentine, paint thinner, gasoline, linseed oil, or other solvents are kept on hand, it is vital that these products be stored as per the manufacturer’s instructions. To fail to do so is to put people and buildings at risk.

These are just a few things you should be aware of if it is your job to ensure fire safety practices at your workplace. If you have any questions regarding workplace fire safety, be sure to reach out to the team at Code 4 Fire Watch.

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As a business owner, you must do your part to ensure that your employees and others who may be at your location are safe. You can do this by taking preventive actions and providing the training and tools needed should there ever be an emergency. After all, fire safety is important!

Workplace Fire Safety

Workplace fire safety is something that every employer or business owner should know. Why? Consider these statistics from FEMA:

• Over 100,000 fires occur every year, costing business owners more than $2.4 billion.
• 30% of office fires and 50% of hotel and motel fires are caused by cooking.
• There are 95 deaths and 1,200 injuries yearly due to business fires.
• 31% of office fires happen between 7 pm and 7 am, but these fires cause 67% of the property damage.

These numbers are solid indicators that workplace fire safety is not something to be taken lightly. So, what can you do to minimize the chances of being part of these statistics?

Tips for Fire Safety at Work

Evacuation Plan

In school, most of us practiced fire drills, tornado drills, or other drills so that everyone knew what to do in case of an emergency. The workplace is no different. No matter the size of or company or where you are located, it is vital that there is an evacuation plan not just in a frame on the wall but taught to your employees. In the event of an emergency, no one wants to have to stop to read a sign!

Be sure your evacuation plan gets practiced often and without warning so it becomes second nature rather than stressful.

As a business, you are required to have at least two exits, two exit paths, and emergency exits that are easy to identify. These exits should never be blocked! Another action you can take to make the escape route easier is use glow-in-the-dark tape to mark the walls so people can more easily see where to go.

Install Safety Equipment and Keep it Current

Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire suppression systems all play an important part in workplace fire safety, which is why they are required for business facilities. Take time to check the various equipment and systems as per any state or local requirements. Most of these items should be checked at least annually, but if you have an older system it may be wise to check it more often. Ideally, your safety equipment needs to be up to date, so it will always pass an inspection. After all, the cost of the upgrade will always be less than the value of a person’s life.

Keep it Clean!

At least once a month, take time to walk around the entire facility and check for any fire hazards. By eliminating a potential problem before it happens you can do your part to promote workplace fire safety. Some fire hazards to watch for are:

• Cords that are fraying or breaking; also, be sure they are plugged firmly into the outlet.
• Don’t overload surge protectors or power strips.
• Be sure that if you have an onsite kitchen that the appliances are clean and free of spilled grease, sugar, sauces, etc. as these items can be quite flammable!
• Turn off any tools or appliances with a burning smell, smoke, sparks, or lights flickering.
• Emergency exits or fire extinguishers are not blocked by materials, furniture, etc.
• Fire sources such as chemicals, paper, aerosols, or other flammable items are not stored near a heat source.

Fire Extinguisher Training

A tool is only good if one knows how to use it. Consider having a training session for your employees to ensure everyone is comfortable with and knows how to operate a fire extinguisher properly.

Fire safety in the workplace is not something to be taken lightly. Implementing these actions may take some time, but if they ensure the safety of you, your employees, and your business, then they are well worth the investment.

The Code 4 Fire Watch team is here to help you with any questions or concerns you might have about workplace fire safety. Our team knows what to look for with your current fire alarm or sprinkler system to ensure that it will work properly in the event of an emergency and can determine if your system is compliant with all local and state regulations. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today.

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Every year US fire departments respond to more than 800 calls, most of which could have been prevented if fire safety had been a part of the holiday decorating. The unsafe decorating results in injuries, deaths, and an average of $11.4 million in property damage per year! We don’t want your business location or home to be included in these statistics. Do your part to promote fire safety and use these tips.

Getting Started with Your Holiday Decorating

1.     Find the electrical outlets. If you have a standard layout for your holiday decorations, then it is likely you have already worked out how many outlets you have available to use and where they are located. But if you are a rookie- or perhaps living somewhere new since last year- then knowing what your options are for holiday decorating will help. Take time to ascertain which outlets are accessible and design your decorating to NOT overload the outlets.

2.     Choose wisely. When choosing your holiday decorations, be sure they are flame retardant or flame resistant.

3.     Check the lights. Opt for lights that have been tested for safety, a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL, or another recognized lab should be on the package. Also, only use lights designed for the outdoors when decorating outside.

4.     Consider LED lights. These lights use less energy, last longer, and run cooler- a definite check in the fire safety column!

5.     Know the max. While Clark plugged a plethora of cords into the electrical box/extension cord, this is not the recommended practice! Your electrical outlets are not designed to have 12 cords running to a single outlet! Also, you should never exceed the max number of strings or devices that may be linked together. This information will be on the packaging. Follow it- after all, it has already been tested for fire safety! Typically, you should not connect more than 3 strands of 50 bulbs for the screw-in style bulb.

6.     Upon careful inspection…. Don’t begin your holiday decorating until you have tested all the lights and decorations. Carefully inspect them for any damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, broken connectors, or any damage to the electrical outlets- especially the outdoor ones that might not get used often.

Fire Safety and Outdoor Holiday Decorations

1.     Keep a safe distance. When doing your outside holiday decorating, keep yourself, any equipment being used, and the decorations at least 10 feet from power lines. In addition, be sure the decorations are protected from the weather, have plenty of ventilation, and are a safe distance from anything flammable.

2.     No nails! Use clips, not nails, to hang up your lights, as this will prevent the cords from becoming damaged and becoming a fire hazard. Be sure the cords are secured well, so they won’t be pulled away with a good wind.

3.     What type of outdoor sockets do you have? Outdoor holiday decorations should only be plugged into outlets that are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).

General Fire Safety for Holiday Decorating

1.     No mixing. Don’t use electric lights on metallic trees.

2.    Turn it off! Always unplug/turn off all holiday decorations when leaving the office or your home at night. Consider using a timer or switch so you can easily turn them off.

3.     Freshness matters! If you opt for a live tree, keep it watered so it doesn’t get dried out and thus become a fire-starting risk. If you are using an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-resistant.

4.     No blocking! When doing your holiday decorating, never block exits with trees or holiday décor.

Yes, Christmas is just around the corner. So, pull out the myriad of decorations and start decking the halls- and yards, roofs, garages, foyers, windows, and more with an assortment of holiday decorations. But be sure you employ all the holiday fun and decorations by staying aware of these fire safety tips. After all, while Clark Griswold may have put on an amazing light show, the number of fire safety practices ignored is not recommended! If you have questions regarding fire safety and your holiday decorations, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our experts, contact an electrician or even give your local fire department a call. The safety of you and your loved ones is important- don’t take risks with it.

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Gas Grill Fire Safety

Create a Stable Foundation for the Grill

Propane grills are generally made from stainless steel. Along with the burner components and gas line or tank, they can be heavy. Since propane grills can be heavy and create a lot of heat, they need to be secured from tipping over. Creating a stable foundation to place your grill on is very important. Find a preferably concrete level area or another non-flammable surface. If you need to create an area in your backyard, consider laying concrete pavers to create a grilling station. Additionally, make sure the area is clear of any flammable debris like pine straw, dead grass, leaves, or trash.

Check Gas Lines for Leaks

Making sure there are no gas leaks is one of the most important grilling safety tips. A gas leak can lead to a fire or possible explosion if gas fumes were to ignite. When connecting your propane tank, make sure the connection is firm and secure. Then, take like dish detergent and mix it with water. A good ratio would be 50/50. Spray bottles allow for easy application but a sponge or brush works as well. Turn the propane gas tank on and apply the soapy water mixture to the valve, hose, and regulator. If soap bubbles begin to form, there is a gas leak. Turn the gas tank off and reexamine your gas grill components. Never use a propane tank that is leaking, even if it seems like a very small leak. 

Safely Ignite the Grill

Igniting the grill is one of the most dangerous parts. The best way to make sure you are lighting the grill correctly is to refer to your instruction manual. Raise the lid or hood of the grill whenever you are lighting it. Make sure all burners are turned off. Turn on the gas line first and then turn on the first burners. Then, light the grill with the auto-lighter or a long match. Stand as far away from the grill as possible. If the grill does not light quickly, turn the gas off and allow the area to ventilate for a few minutes. Allowing the gas to run for too long can allow propane to accumulate and create a dangerous ignition.

Keep the Grill Clean

Keeping your gas grill clean prevents food debris accumulation. Food debris the has gathered in the grill can potentially ignite later on and create an undesirable fire within the grill. Grease from fatty foods can also accumulate and cause grease fires. Fires caused by grease and fat can burn for an extended time and burn food. By regularly cleaning the grill grates and gas grill burners, you can keep your grill functioning properly and safely. 

Make Sure the Gas is Turned Off

Anytime you are not using the grill, verify that the gas is turned off. On propane tanks, make sure the valve is tightly shut. If gas is not fully shut off, it can continue to leak out and accumulate. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous to not only the operator but also the surrounding area. 

Fire Safety Tips for Propane Gas Grills

When taking the necessary precautions, outdoor grilling can be a great activity. By following our gas grill fire safety tips, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Read more about fire safety tips from Code 4 Fire Watch. 

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