tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-377389172024-02-20T17:25:19.615-08:00Find Fire Sprinkler InstallersConstructionDeal.com - The Smart Way to Find a Contractor!ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-1164143956496856422009-02-11T13:18:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:00:43.357-08:00Find a Fire Sprinkler Company<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/376839998_7603dc195d_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 207px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/376839998_7603dc195d_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Welcome to the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br />ConstructionDeal.com</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Fire Sprinkler site!</span><br /></span><br />When you need to <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">find a fire sprinkler company</a>, you have to choose one at random from the phone book. Or ask for a referral.<br /><br />It’s not easy to find the best fire sprinkler system installer, but we can help:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">Post</a> your <span style="font-weight: bold;">Commercial </span>or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Residential </span>Fire Sprinkler Installation or Repair project <span style="font-style: italic;">in minutes</span>!<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Save time</span> - Fire Sprinkler Contractors will call you!<br /></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Save money</span> - get multiple bids on your project - More bids mean you get to choose the company right for you. And your budget. </li></ul><ul><li>We're happy to provide this service <span style="font-style: italic;">absolutely </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">free</span>! </li></ul>Most people <span style="font-style: italic;">only </span>consider the costs of adding a sprinkler system to their home or business. Sprinklers save lives, but they also help prevent extensive damage to property. And a fire suppression system will cut insurance rates. Residential and commercial fire sprinklers are a must for every home and every business.<br /><br />When you need a <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">Fire Sprinkler Installer</a>, think of <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span> and post your request with us! It's fast, free and easy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Construction Deal.com</span> is a trusted member of the <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.bbbonline.org/">Better Business Bureau</a>.<br />We consider your information to be private and it will be held in the strictest confidence (view our privacy policy.) If you would prefer to call us with more questions or to post your remodeling project, please call us at: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >866-663-4711</span><br /><br /><br /><br />Don't forget to <span style="font-weight: bold;">bookmark this blog</span>! We've got a great amount of fire safety tips, news, and information to help you protect your investment as well as those around you!<br /><br /><br /><div class="tags"><span style="font-size:78%;">technorati tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/fire+sprinklers," rel="tag">fire sprinklers,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/fire+sprinkler+installation," rel="tag">fire sprinkler installation,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/fire+sprinkler+installer," rel="tag">fire sprinkler installer,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/fire+sprinkler+company," rel="tag">fire sprinkler company,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/installing+sprinklers," rel="tag">installing sprinklers,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/installing+fire+sprinklers," rel="tag">installing fire sprinklers,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/sprinkler+contractors," rel="tag">sprinkler contractors,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/find+sprinkler+installers," rel="tag">find sprinkler installers,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/fire+suppression," rel="tag">fire suppression,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/fire+sprinkler+repair," rel="tag">fire sprinkler repair,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/sprinkler+repair" rel="tag">sprinkler repair</a></span> </div>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-2663294085288913482009-02-01T06:55:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:02:49.771-08:00Test Your Fire Sprinkler Knowledge!From the US Fire Administration <a href="https://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/sprinklers/">website</a>:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Test Your Home Sprinkler System's I.Q.</span><br /><br />Here are five statements about home sprinkler systems. Are they true or false?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 1. When one sprinkler goes off, all the sprinklers activate.</span><br /> False! Only the sprinkler over the fire will activate. The sprinkler heads react to temperatures in each room individually. Thus, fire in a bedroom will activate only the sprinkler in that room.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. A sprinkler could accidentally go off, causing severe water damage to a home.</span><br />False! Records, which have been compiled for well over 50 years, prove the likelihood of this occurring is very remote. Furthermore, home sprinklers will be specifically designed and will be rigorously tested to minimize such accidents.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Water damage from a sprinkler system will be more extensive than fire damage.</span><br /> False! The sprinkler system will severely limit a fire's growth. Therefore, damage from a home sprinkler system will be much less severe than the smoke and fire damage if the fire had gone on unabated or even the water damage caused by water from firefighting hose lines.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Home sprinkler systems are expensive.</span><br /> False! Current estimates suggest that when a home is under construction, a home sprinkler system could cost less than 1% of the total building price.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Residential sprinkles are ugly.</span><br /> False! The traditional, commercial-type sprinklers as well as sprinklers for home use are now being designed to fit in with most any decor.<br /><br />Need <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinklers</a>? Get 4 Quotes from <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">Fire Sprinkler Installers</a> in just minutes - at no cost to you! Only at <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-6715862827258028672009-01-15T10:14:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:06:18.039-08:00A Cost Benefit Study on Fire Sprinkler SystemsAccording to <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011154124.htm">Science Daily</a>: "Sometimes life-saving technologies seem beyond the reach of the average person. If you put residential fire sprinklers in that category, think again. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) economists ran the numbers. Their benefit-cost analysis found that for new home construction, a multipurpose network sprinkler system that connects to a house's regular water supply and piping makes good economic sense." <div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img src="http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2007/10/071011154124.jpg" alt="" height="298" width="300" /><br /><em>Photo of sprinkler head. (Credit: NIST)</em></div><br />"NIST's Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems report, released last month, examines data from 2002 to 2005 to value the economic performance of a residential 'wet-pipe' fire sprinkler system. The additional economic benefits from installation of a multipurpose network sprinkler system (the least costly wet-pipe system available) are estimated for three types of newly constructed single-family houses that are also equipped with smoke detectors. The study builds on a prior cost analysis developed by NIST's Building and Fire Research Laboratory and offers a current analysis of the economics of residential fire sprinkler technology." <p></p><p>"According to NIST, the cost in 2005 dollars for adding a multipurpose network sprinkler system to a house under construction was approximately $2,075 for a 3,338-square-foot colonial-style house, $1,895 for a 2,257-square-foot townhouse and $829 for a 1,171-square-foot ranch house. However when a house fire occurs, the estimated benefits of a residential fire sprinkler system include a 100 percent reduction in civilian fatalities and a 57 percent reduction in civilian injuries, a 32 percent reduction of both direct property damage (property losses that would not be covered by insurance) and indirect property costs (fire-related expenses such as temporary shelter, missed work, extra food costs, legal expenses, transportation, emotional counseling and childcare). Houses with sprinklers, in addition to smoke alarms, also received an 8 percent reduction in homeowner insurance premiums, over houses only equipped with smoke alarms."</p><p>"After subtracting installation costs and weighting the benefits by the odds that a house would catch on fire, NIST economists concluded that, depending on assumptions, the net gain from installing a sprinkler system (in 2005 dollars) would vary between $704 and $4,801 for the colonial-style house, between $884 and $4,981 for the townhouse, and between $1,950 and $6,048 for the ranch-style house, over the 30-year study period. In all cases examined, the researchers found that the data supported the finding that multipurpose network residential fire sprinkler systems are cost-effective."</p><p>"The United States Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), funded the research."</p><p>"Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems (NISTIR 7451) by David T. Butry, M. Hayden Brown and Sieglinde K. Fuller."</p> <p><em>Note: This story has been adapted from material provided by National Institute of Standards and Technology.</em></p>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-33602759419861780382008-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:07:07.328-08:00Teach Children Fire Safety<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/1342584492_832c73c219_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 225px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/1342584492_832c73c219_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Many kids just don't know what to do in case of a fire. Whether your home has life-saving fire sprinklers or not, it's important to stress fire safety at home.<br /><br />Children have regular fire drills at school. It would be a great idea to do a drill or two at home, so that the young ones know instinctively what to do in case fire breaks out.<br /><br />Here's a helpful selection from a fire safety article on <a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/fire.html">KidsHealth.org</a>:<br /><br />"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Teach Children the Facts about Fire</span><br /><p>Unfortunately, many kids will try to hide from a fire, often in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner. But if taught basic fire facts, they'd be better able to protect themselves. Teach your child that fires spread quickly, that most fire-related deaths are not from <a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/burns.html">burns</a> but from smoke inhalation, and that dangerous fumes can overcome a person in just a few minutes.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Kids should learn to:</p> <ul class="kh_longline_list"><li>Cover their mouths and noses with a <strong>moist towel</strong> or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating</li><li>Crawl <strong>under</strong> the smoke to safety, staying as low to the ground as possible (smoke always rises)</li><li>Touch any door (not the doorknob) to see if it is hot, and if it is, <strong>not</strong> to open it — find another exit</li><li>Locate the nearest stairway marked "Fire Exit" if they live in an apartment building, or a fire escape if the stairway isn't accessible — kids should know to always avoid elevators during a fire</li><li>Never stop to take personal belongings or pets or to make a phone call (even to 911) while evacuating</li><li><strong>Never</strong> go back into a burning building once safely outside</li><li><strong>Stop, drop, and roll</strong> to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire</li></ul> <p>Kids should also always be dressed for bed in flame-retardant sleepwear."</p>If you're looking for the ultimate in home protection to keep your family safe, consider adding fire sprinklers to your new home construction project or retrofitting your current home.<br /><br />To <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">find a sprinkler installation company</a>, post your project on <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span> - we'll send it out to <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">sprinkler installers</a> in your area to bid on the job. And you're under no obligation to hire any of them. It's a free service for homeowners.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-25591394919114159442008-11-21T08:52:00.000-08:002009-02-12T10:08:07.181-08:00Sprinkler Smarts - Fire Safety Education<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/images/sprinklersmartzscreen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 183px;" src="http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/images/sprinklersmartzscreen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com Update</span></a>: The <span style="font-style: italic;">Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition</span> has a great new website called <a href="http://www.sprinklersmarts.org/">Sprinkler Smarts</a> to help educate everyone about the value of having fire sprinkler systems in the house. It's got cartoon graphics and characters to appeal to various age groups. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Captain Splash and the Drop-lettes </span>give a fun twist to fire safety education.<br /><br />There are interactive games for kids from Kindergarten to Two and from Three to Five. The site also has sections for teachers and parents, as well as a resources area for links to additional info.<br /><br />Check out the <span style="font-style: italic;">Parents </span>section for a list of downloadable PDF files that include planners, worksheets, and fire safety details.<br /><br />It's a wonderful, interactive site that can help children of all ages learn a little something about protecting themselves, their families, and their home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DON'T FORGET:</span><br /><br />If you feel that you're ready to retrofit your home with a <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinkler system</a>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Construction Deal.com</span> can help!<br /><br />Simply <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">post your residential fire sprinkler request</a> online and we'll have as many sprinkler installers call you as you would like. Look over the bids, find the best one at the right price, and get started on protecting your most valuable assets! There's <span style="font-weight: bold;">no obligation</span> and there is <span style="font-weight: bold;">no charge</span> to <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">find local, qualified sprinkler companies</a>.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-4644136059678029532008-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:002008-06-26T05:38:58.076-07:00Success for Fire Sprinklers in South Carolina!From the <a href="http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/jun/26/most_sanfords_vetoes_overridden45716/">Post & Courier</a>: "COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Tax credits for the owners of homes and businesses who install fire sprinklers became law Wednesday, along with 14 other bills when the Legislature reconvened to take up Gov. Mark Sanford's vetoes."<br /><br />"Lawmakers showed overwhelming support for the sprinkler incentives, the one legislative action to come from last year's Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine Charleston firefighters."<br /><br />"'I was very grateful,' said Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston. 'I couldn't imagine leaving here without having tried to address fire safety after what happened.'"ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-61528384678946876982008-06-13T05:21:00.000-07:002009-02-12T10:03:32.777-08:00Overriding a Veto on Fire Sprinklers in South Carolina?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2575512590_2051e80892_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2575512590_2051e80892_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>From the South Carolina site, <a href="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS01/80612029/1001/NEWS">Greenville Online.com</a>, comes news of fire sprinkler legislation. This state has been affected by many fires recently with a great loss of life and property due to fire. And each was a case where <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinklers</a> could and would have saved a lot of people and property. It sounds like good news, if lawmakers decide to override the governor's veto of the bill.<br /><br />Here's the story: "<span style="font-weight: bold;">COLUMBIA </span>-- Some legislators predicted Thursday that lawmakers will override Gov. Mark Sanford’s veto of a bill to grant incentives to those who install fire sprinkler systems."<br /><br />"Sanford vetoed the bill when he considered a batch of about 60 bills legislators passed recently. Among those he signed into law was a bill that would allow displays in public buildings of the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer as historical documents."<br /><br />"Sanford vetoed the sprinkler bill because he said the tax credits offered were large enough that they amounted to a subsidy. The bill offers property owners installing sprinklers a local property tax credit equal to 25 of the cost of the fire sprinkler system and an additional 25 percent tax credit from the state."<br /><br />"The state tax credit would depend on a local government approving local incentives."<br /><br />"'The tax consequence of this bill is smaller than the one originally proposed, and in that regard, we give the General Assembly credit,' Sanford wrote in a letter to House Speaker Bobby Harrell."<br /><br />"'However, it still creates a taxpayer-funded subsidy of 50 percent of the total cost of installation incurred by property owners who install fire sprinklers. It has been our position that taxpayers should represent the minority of investment in additions to a privately held concern like a hotel, restaurant or warehouse.'"<br /><br />"Sanford also wrote that the bill was 'constitutionally suspect' because not all property owners in the state would be treated the same, with some getting incentives based on what their local governments did and others unable to take advantage of the law."<br /><br />"'Some in legal circles have argued it makes no sense to make a distinction as to who is entitled to a tax credit based on the actions of their local government,' Sanford wrote."<br /><br />"Sen. Danny Verdin of Laurens, who worked on the legislation and helped craft the compromise, said he believes lawmakers will override Sanford's veto based on their votes to pass the bill initially."<br /><br />"'It is a good piece of legislation that will save lives, improve property value and contribute to the overall quality of life,' he said."<br /><br />"Rep. Harry Cato of Travelers Rest, chairman of the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, said he would be 'shocked' if the House didn't override the veto."<br /><br />You can read the rest of the news story at <a href="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS01/80612029/1001/NEWS">Greenville Online.com</a>.<br /><br />If you or someone you know is in need of <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinkler systems</a> in their home or commercial building, you can always contact <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span>. We'll match you with <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinkler installers</a> who can make sure your home or business is protected from deadly fires.<br /><br />It is an absolutely free service to use. Simply <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">post your request</a>, give us your contact details, and we'll do the rest. It's that easy.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-3848521522616187242008-05-07T08:47:00.000-07:002008-05-07T08:55:53.902-07:00Building Safety: Where You Live, Work and Play<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/2474012820_b355a111d4_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 234px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/2474012820_b355a111d4_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">MILWAUKEE</span>, May 5 - PRNewswire -- The <span style="font-weight: bold;">National Fire Sprinkler</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Association</span> - WI Chapter Recognizes National Building Safety Week, May 5 - 11th. This year's theme is "Building Safety: Where You Live, Work and Play."<br /><br />Sponsored by the International Code Council (ICC), Building Safety Week increases awareness of the important role that safe, sound and accessible buildings play in our state and across the U.S. It shines a national light on the importance of construction measures that protect the lives of residents, occupants and emergency responders.<br /><br />"A major percentage of the ICC's International Building Code (IBC) relates to fire safety," explained NFSA North Central regional manager Dan Gengler. "The IBC's purpose is to protect people in occupancies from all types of building construction challenges, including fire. But until automatic fire sprinklers are required, the codes don't go far enough."<br /><br />Fire sprinklers should be required routinely, regardless of a building's size. "Pinpointing fire sprinkler installation to a square footage minimum is so twentieth century, and is unsafe," Gengler said. "Forward-thinking community leaders can make our state a national influence in fire safety building construction. Now that is a public safety concept that makes sense."<br /><br />Gengler said National Building Safety Week is also a great time to recognize all the building and fire inspectors who work together to make the daily plan review and inspection decisions for the safety of the citizens.<br /><br />According to Gengler, whether the building is a high-rise apartment or commercial, a school, hotel, strip mall or single family home, fire sprinklers save lives. The time-tested technology is recognized within the fire service and broader fire safety field as being the number-one means to suppress or control structural fire in its early stages.<br /><br />"Fire sprinklers are heat activated and stop fire from spreading and potentially reaching deadly flashover," Gengler said. "When a fire is contained, fire sprinklers prevent widespread property loss, benefiting building owners, employees, the economy and the environment."<br /><br />No other technology provides the level of life safety and property protection that a fire sprinkler system can and does. Building Safety Week reinforces the importance of fire safety provisions in building codes, including strong requirements for fire sprinkler system installation, testing and maintenance in every structure.<br /><br />The National Fire Sprinkler Association Wisconsin Chapter is a non-profit trade organization composed of fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. NFSA Wisconsin Chapter is dedicated to educating and informing fire officials, building officials, architects, engineers, the public and elected and appointed officials of the vital role that fire sprinklers play in fire protection.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-71718553321886477602008-04-10T08:56:00.000-07:002009-02-12T10:04:22.009-08:00Fire Sprinklers Proven to Prevent Major FiresThe Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) reports that a fire sprinkler that prevented a fire from spreading in a multi-unit building last week in Lake Zurich was the 15th successful activation in the Chicago area.<br /><br />According to the Lake Zurich Fire/Rescue Department, at approximately midnight, March 29th, a fire started in a cardboard box where oily rags, thinner and paintbrushes had been discarded after woodwork was stained the previous day. The fire sprinkler closest to the fire activated and prevented it from spreading until the fire department arrived.<br /><br />"The <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">automatic fire sprinkler system</a> prevented a serious fire from developing," said Chief Terry Mastandrea, Lake Zurich Fire/Rescue. "If the system wasn't there, the fire would have spread out of control and we would not have received notice of the emergency until the fire broke out of the building," he said. "Because the building was protected with a fire sprinkler system, there was no damage to the unit, its contents or any of the other units."<p></p> <p>NIFSAB maintains a record of successful activations based on information submitted to the non-profit organization by fire departments and from stories reported in local newspapers. Other activations include a Michigan Avenue high-rise building in Chicago, two hotels in Matteson and Lincolnshire, a department store in West Dundee, a chemical plant in Bourbonnais, an apartment building in Rockford and a high school in Chicago.</p> <p>A fire sprinkler also prevented a fire from spreading in a single-family home in Streamwood caused by an electrical appliance. In 2002, Streamwood passed an ordinance requiring fire sprinkler systems in all new homes. That fire was the first successful activation in a Streamwood single-family home since the ordinance was passed.</p> <p>According to NIFSAB, 73 communities in Illinois require fire sprinkler systems in all new commercial construction. Fifty-four communities require <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinkler systems</a> in new homes.</p> <p>For a list of those communities and a list of successful activations in the Chicago area, visit NIFSAB's Web site <a href="http://www.firesprinklerassoc.org/" target="_blank">http://www.firesprinklerassoc.org</a>.</p>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-87573594358706502682008-03-18T08:40:00.000-07:002009-02-12T10:04:51.992-08:00Fire Sprinklers Save Lives, Give Firefighters Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2342700321_35c0f346b1_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 213px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2342700321_35c0f346b1_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>From the <a href="http://www.firefightingnews.com/article-US.cfm?articleID=46724">International Fire Fighting News</a> online - "IDAHO - The Nampa Fire Department set a room on fire, twice, recently to demonstrate how sprinklers can save lives. In the first demonstration, sprinklers suppressed the fire in an 8-foot-by-10-foot room in one minute. In the second demonstration, the same room without sprinklers was completely engulfed in flames in 3 minutes, 20 seconds. "<br /><br />"'In two minutes, there's not a lot of space to get out,' said Melissa Close, fire prevention and public education officer."<br /><br />"In the last few years, <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">sprinklers saved residents</a> in a senior living center where a fire was put out before it spread from one room, and limited damage to property during a fire at Northwest Nazarene University's Johnson Sports Center."<br /><br />"The Fire Department sets up the burn demonstration about six times a year, Close said."<br /><br />"'The movie industry has given sprinklers a bad rap,' said Fire Department spokesman Doug Strosnider. It is a myth, he said, that the whole place floods. Sprinkler heads disperse about 15 gallons of water per minute, compared to 150 gallons per minute that shoots out of a fire hose, he said. "<br /><br />"'Sprinklers are designed to hold fires in check until firefighters arrive,' he said. 'They keep the smoke and the heat down.' Fires burn hotter and faster now than they did 20 years ago, he said, because of all the synthetic materials in carpets and furniture."<br /><br />"Members of Leadership Nampa attended the demonstration. 'I definitely saw the difference with fire sprinklers in the home,' said Erica Hernandez. 'I don't think you realize what a fire can do until you see it.'"<br /><br />If you're thinking about <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">installing sprinklers</a> in your home or office, you can find fire sprinkler system installers at <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span>. Post your request and <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinkler-Installation.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">be matched with local sprinkler contractors</a> at no cost to you. Choose the company that's right for you and start protecting your valuables, your property, and your family or employees.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-76746049385165787512008-02-26T08:54:00.000-08:002008-02-26T09:28:56.596-08:00The Cost to Install Fire Sprinkler Systems<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2294375518_6cf5bfe3dd_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 219px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2294375518_6cf5bfe3dd_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The debate constantly rages about how much it costs to install residential fire sprinklers. With many cities trying to legislate that all new homes have <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">sprinklers installed</a>, the home builders cry foul because it will raise the cost of the homes too much. The firefighters and the sprinkler coalitions always counter with much lower numbers.<br /><br />Recently, I read someone spouting off about how it can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 to install fire sprinklers in a new construction home. This is an absolutely ludicrous figure that was backed up with no references. So I went to the National Association of Home Builders, the very organization that many claim believe that sprinkler installations cost too much, to find out how much they believe it costs.<br /><br />According to an article on their site, called <a href="http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=82243">Fire Sprinklers and Homeowner Insurance</a>, it discusses this very thing. Here's what the author discovered on the actual costs, according to builders:<br /><br />"In 200<a id="top7" name="top7"></a>7, the NAHB Research Center collected information on sprinkler costs in a nationwide survey completed by 102 builders who built 5,527 homes with fire sprinklers in 2006. The survey results show that the median cost of installing fire sprinklers in the 5,527 homes was about $5,573. The median size of the surveyed homes was 2,271 square feet, very close to the 2,248 square feet reported by the federal government for homes built in 2006."<br /><br />The article also compares the costs to the claims made by Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. Their figures are significantly lower:<br /><br />"...the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition simply states that a good rule of thumb estimate is to add 1 to 1/½ percent to the cost of new housing. Applying this general rule to the $246,500 median price of a new home sold in 2006 is $246,500 translates into a $2,465 - $3,698 increase in its price."<br /><br />There are many factors that affect the cost of installing fire sprinklers in a home. But at a range of $2500 at the lowest to a $5600 at the highest should allow for intelligent discussions on the true and rational costs of putting in sprinklers when building new houses. Adding to that the savings in homeowner insurance for having sprinklers, and it is usually not a "dealbreaker" when it comes to protecting a house and the family within.<br /><br />Mandated or not, fire sprinklers are a good thing. If you need to find your own sprinkler installer, post your project with <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span>. We'll match you with <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinkler installers</a> in your area. It's a fast, free and easy to use service. There is never any obligation or commitment to hire any of the members of our network. Give us a try -- you'll be glad you did.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-62936886024437460932008-01-14T08:55:00.000-08:002008-01-14T09:02:32.985-08:00Mandated Fire Sprinkler Debate Continues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rpi.edu/dept/public_safety/image/sprinkler1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.rpi.edu/dept/public_safety/image/sprinkler1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The argument against mandated fire sprinklers always comes from home builders and others in the construction industry. And the argument always involves forced sprinkler installations will raise the costs too high for every new home built.<br /><br />I've seen another article, from the <a href="http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=28dd1632-8dd3-42e4-a1d7-090faa67a6b5&k=6776">Ottawa Citizen</a>, where this is the case again. One politician caught in the middle of the argument has easily seen the light:<br /><br />"She has examined the studies and has found that safety and lives are worth the extra expenses of the systems, which are estimated at one per cent of overall new home costs or between $3,000 and $6,000.<p>Ms. Deans said with the average price of a new home hovering in the $300,000 range, the returns on the investment, in terms of saved lives and reduced injury and property damage, outweigh the costs."</p>I could see if fire sprinkler systems were costing new home builders $50,0000 or $60,000 to install that it could be cost prohibitive. But a mere 1% of total building costs is not going to send potential home buyers running away for purchases. It's just not the case.<br /><br />Unfortunately, once again, greed is more important than saving lives and property. Let's hope mandated sprinklers will appeal to everyone's common sense at some point.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-24393725588566706552007-12-10T09:51:00.000-08:002007-12-10T09:55:12.438-08:00Sprinklers May Be Required in North Carolina<strong>RALEIGH</strong> -- from a local North Carolina News <a href="http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=7455687&nav=2gQc">website</a>: "The NC Fire Marshal's Association, along with other affiliated organizations will be proposing a residential code change at the NC Building Code Council meeting on December 11. <p></p> <p>The code change would require residential fire sprinklers in new one and two family homes and townhouses that are three stories high or 3,600 feet.</p> <p>This code change is, in part, a response to the recent fire in Ocean Isle Beach that took the lives of seven college-age students. </p> <p>But safety has a price. To put a sprinkler system in a large house would cost about $30,000, and fire officials worry with a price tag like that they're bound to hear opposition from developers. </p> <p>From next week's meeting, the idea will have to go to a public hearing and then to the state legislature. If the proposal does get passed, you won't see sprinklers in new homes until 2009.</p> <p>Since 2004 in North Carolina 112 people have lost their life in residential fires. In this same time 19,655 residential structures have been damaged or destroyed causing an estimated 210 million dollars in damages."</p><p>Of course, that $30,000 price tag is over-inflated to scare away any chance the idea might have to pass through the state legislature. But... anything is possible. What is important is the statistic at the end that talks about the number of lives lost and the total cost of the damage done by fire.</p><p>Fire sprinklers would have prevented most, if not all, of those losses.<br /></p>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-69664253764246023562007-10-25T08:44:00.000-07:002007-10-25T08:46:49.728-07:00Fire Sprinkler Advocate of 2007DALLAS — The American Fire Sprinkler Association has selected Congressman Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) as its Fire Sprinkler Advocate of 2007 in recognition of his leadership in promoting fire and life safety through the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007, H.R. 1742. During a special presentation on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 5, 2007, the Democrat from Rhode Island received AFSA's Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award for his efforts to protect lives and property by reintroducing the bill in the House March 28 of this year.<br /><br />"I am honored and humbled to receive this award," said Langevin. "It certainly never crossed my mind that I would receive any recognition for this effort. I simply saw a need in the wake of a tragic event in my home state and sought to fix it the best way I knew how – with legislation."<br /><br />Rep. Langevin, chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science, and Technology, is a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, the largest caucus in Congress. Sixteen industry groups including the American Fire Sprinkler Association and all 45 members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute National Advisory Committee, which includes all major National Fire Service organizations, support the bill.<br /><br />The Fire Sprinkler Advocate Award was presented by AFSA Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Legislative Committee Larry Thibodeau and AFSA President Steve Muncy.<br /><br />Muncy noted that Langevin is serious about the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act.<br /><br />"The Station nightclub fire [that left 100 dead and more than 200 people injured in West Warwick, R.I. on Feb. 20, 2003] heightened the awareness of fire issues for many people, and Rep. Langevin immediately understood the role that fire sprinklers could have played in saving lives," Muncy said. "He is deeply committed to seeing this legislation passed and is working hard to achieve that goal."<br /><br />The Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007 amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for accelerated depreciation of five years for automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in existing occupancies, as opposed to the current 27.5- or 39-year period for installations in residential, rental, and non-residential real property. The bi-partisan legislation aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide an incentive to business owners for retrofitting existing buildings with sprinklers. Specifically, this legislation will reduce the tax depreciation time for retrofitting sprinklers in nonresidential real property from 39 years to only five. H.R. 1742 is companion legislation to Senate Bill 582.<br /><br />The 43-year-old Congressman commented, "I am hopeful that this recognition will help to raise an awareness of the work that still needs to be done. This legislation needs to pass if we, as a nation, are going to try to save more lives."<br /><br />Langevin urged everyone to write their representative asking for their support of this legislation and thanking them if they have already pledged their support of the legislation.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-51585353891337848052007-09-21T08:45:00.000-07:002007-09-21T08:46:36.032-07:00A Residential Fire Sprinkler Law Has Been ReversedHuntley Village, Ill., a rapidly growing community near Chicago, has voted to reverse the two-year-old ordinance requiring residential fire sprinklers in new homes, citing the cost of installing and maintaining the systems as preventing homes from being competitively priced with neighboring communities. Since the ordinance was passed, more than 1,300 single-family homes are protected with fire sprinklers. <p></p> <p>According to the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) the village's board members who voted to reverse the ordinance did not provide facts supporting the removal of the ordinance. </p> <p>Tom Lia, executive director of NIFSAB, says there are currently 50 Chicago area municipalities/fire districts that require fire sprinklers. Six have passed their ordinances in the last year. </p> <p>"I feel for Huntley Fire Chief Jim Saletta," Lia said, "He worked hard to pass the ordinance two years ago and to defend it last night. It's frustrating when elected officials don't support their own safety leaders." </p> <p>Lia said the reversal is an embarrassment for Huntley. In addition to local fire officials watching the decision, many national safety organizations will be disappointed to hear about the ordinance reversal. Those organizations include the National Fire Protection Association, Home Safety Council and the U.S. Fire Administration. </p>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-36630911841748120782007-08-02T09:04:00.000-07:002007-08-02T09:09:35.557-07:00Fire Sprinklers Protect Condo in Myrtle Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rpi.edu/dept/public_safety/image/sprinkler1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.rpi.edu/dept/public_safety/image/sprinkler1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>According to <a href="http://www.wpde.com/news/viewarticle.asp?view=6010">ABC News Channel 15</a> in Myrtle Beach: "A sprinkler system was vital in preventing what could have been a bad fire."<br /><br />"At 1:00 Wednesday afternoon, a small fire ignited in the trash collection room of the Avista Ocean Front Resort in North Myrtle Beach."<br /><br />"'The fire ignited due to a discarded cigarette, carelessly tossed into the garbage of a condo unit, and then placed in the trash chute,' said North Myrtle Beach Fire Department Capt. Les Wiliamson."<br /><br />"One automatic fire sprinkler head located within the trash collection room activated due to the heat, and extinguished the fire. Another fire sprinkler system head located within the vertical trash chute activated and prevented any extension up the trash chute. The trash chute's automatic fire door was released and sealed the vertical shaft, Williamson reported."<br /><br />"Firefighters arrived on scene to find the steel waste collection container scorched and blackened, but no other damage."<br /><br />"'Firefighters made sure the fire was out and turned off the water to that portion of the fire sprinkler system,' Williamson said. 'Within 30 minutes, the fire sprinkler contractor was on site to replace the fire sprinkler heads, and reset the fire sprinkler system.'"<br /><br />"Williamson added, 'Fortunately, the garbage had been removed from the condo unit before it had a chance to ignite a fire within the unit itself. This is a good example of the job fire sprinkler systems perform daily around the country of saving lives and property, and negating the need for firefighters to risk their lives in buildings not equipped with fire sprinklers.'"<br /><br />"The fire happened in the ground floor of the 300 unit complex. Williamson said two sprinkler heads must be replaced as well as the garbage cart at an estimated cost of about $100-plus labor."<br /><br />"The quick extinguishing of this fire is a great example of how fire sprinklers save lives every day, Williamson stressed, and how they could have saved the lives of firefighters in Charleston earlier this summer."<br /><br />"'Sadly, if the codes in place during construction of the Sofa Super Store in Charleston, had required fire sprinkler systems,' Williamson said, 'There would most likely be nine brave Charleston Firefighters reporting for duty today.'"ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-4210113773661398132007-07-13T09:14:00.001-07:002007-07-13T09:47:15.021-07:00Oregon Real Estate Agents Oppose Fire Sprinklers?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lifesafetyfire.com/art/brettsm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 223px;" src="http://www.lifesafetyfire.com/art/brettsm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm always amazed at the people who object to mandatory sprinklers in new homes. In nearly every case, the person or organization who opposes sprinkler systems in homes is someone who's business may be hurt by an additional cost.<br /><br />In this case, Oregon real estate agents oppose adding sprinklers to new homes. It is my opinion that the only reason there is an objection is due to the added cost on the sale of a new home because it might prevent them from receiving a commission.<br /><br />It's sad that they would put the lives of the firefighters as well as the adults and children that they are selling these homes to before their own personal gain.<br /><br />This City Council requirement isn't even for every new home built, only the ones on a certain grade that slows down fire company response time. It's always painfully obvious they have no argument when they make claims like the ones below:<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1184211282283820.xml&storylist=orlocal">OregonLive.com</a>: "MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — House builders and real estate agents want the City Council to overturn a rule that requires fire sprinklers in new single-family homes."<br /><br />"The Medford Fire Department began imposing new standards last year that require sprinklers in new homes that a fire truck would have to climb a 10 percent grade to reach. The policy includes many areas of Medford because there are several steep street sections around the city."<br /><br />"Dreyer said there are not enough studies that indicate sprinklers really make a difference. She said the benefits are negligible and the costs are expensive — a sprinkler system for a new 2,400-square-foot house costs $6,000."<br /><br />"Kuntz said he doesn't object to the city requiring sprinklers in certain homes, but he does object to making a policy change without a public hearings."<br /><br />By stating there are "not enough studies" that prove how effective, safe, and reliable a fire sprinkler system is, they have no credibility. Even the overstated costs of $6,000 is <span style="font-style: italic;">out there</span>. In new home construction, the costs are much less because the systems are put in while the house is being built. A retrofit certainly costs more but not in a new building project.<br /><br />Fire Sprinklers put fires out faster, with more efficiency, than waiting for and endangering the lives of firefighters. And with less damage.<br /><br />It's been proven time and time again.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* photo - life safety fire protection</span>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-55555983900938814642007-06-22T09:15:00.000-07:002009-02-12T10:09:06.013-08:00Arizona Considering Fire Sprinkler System Requirement<div>From an article in the <a href="http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/188272">Arizona Daily Star</a>: "As national regulators consider requiring fire sprinklers in every new home, one local fire district is pushing to make it a condition for homes built on the Northwest Side.<br /><br /></div> <div>Already, large homes built on the edge of the district are required to have sprinklers installed in every home, but fire officials want the requirement extended to all new homes built in fast-growing areas of Marana and Pima County. The sprinklers, which add about $3,000 to the price of a new home, are an unnecessary regulation, some home builders said.<br /><br /><div>Fire officials say the increased cost is balanced by discounted home insurance rates, although according to a survey of two large insurance companies, the discounts would take years to equal the extra cost.<br /><br />But homeowners could see other savings where it matters most: life and property. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Homeowners who have sprinklers experience about $40,000 less damage than homeowners who don'</span>t, according to a 15-year study done by the Scottsdale Fire Department. Once sprinklers were triggered, they stopped fires 93 percent of the time."<br /><br />Read the rest of the article <a href="http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/188272">here</a>.<br /><br />What I found interesting in the article was the line where it says "according to a survey of two large insurance companies, the discounts would take years to equal the extra cost."<br /><br />The interesting fact is that adding fire sprinklers to a residence is one of the only, if not only, additions that you can make to your house that will pay you back. Even if it's over a long period of time, you will save money. Nearly everything else in your house can depreciate over time. Sprinklers actually save you money on insurance payments - which is like money in the bank.<br /><br />If you need a <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">fire sprinkler system</a> installed in your house, you can find a company through <span style="font-weight: bold;">ConstructionDeal.com</span>. Our <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/category/Fire-Sprinklers.20.html?rid=38&aid=20">network of sprinkler companies</a> will call you to bid on the job, which save you plenty of time from searching at random in the phone book. And multiple bids means you may also save money. It's a free service and we're waiting to help on any residential or commercial job.<br /></div><br /></div>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-874424986527681032007-06-20T09:39:00.000-07:002007-06-20T09:53:23.399-07:00Fire Sprinklers Could Have Prevented Charleston Tragedy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire/story.mourning.ap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire/story.mourning.ap.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On Monday, June 18th, all of the news channels were covering the warehouse furniture store fire down in Charleston, South Carolina, that took the lives of nine brave firefighters.<br /><br />This was, yet again, another instance where a fire sprinkler system could have protected the people fighting the fire. The sprinklers would have activated as soon as the fire started and cut down or even eliminated the work that needed to be done.<br /><br />Instead, we're faced with a tragedy.<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,125324.shtml">EarthTimes.org</a>: "An installed automatic fire sprinkler system would have saved lives in a furniture store and warehouse inferno that occurred in Charleston, SC on June 18. Fueled by combustible stored materials, the uncontrolled fire spread quickly through the unsprinklered building, apparently undermining the structure and leading to a roof collapse. Nine firefighters died battling the blaze. According to the non-profit American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), sprinklers would have controlled the fire, had they been installed in the building."<br /><br />You can also read an article on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/19/charleston.fire/index.html">CNN</a> about this tragic event. There is also one up on <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aO90GRjHI80U&refer=home">Bloomberg</a>, detailing the account.<br /><br />If your business is in need of fire sprinklers, you can <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/project/Commercial-Fire-Sprinklers.72.html?rid=38&aid=72">find a local company</a> to inspect the site and let you know what is required. Post your request for free and we'll match you with a professional who can help prevent another tragedy.<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.cnn.com">CNN.com</a></span>)ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-20158724905365098352007-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:002007-06-13T10:31:40.577-07:00Fire Sprinkler Recall Notice<p>The following recall was announced by the associated press on June 12, 2007:<br /></p> <p>About 300,000 Globe Model J Series dry fire sprinklers, manufactured by <span style="font-style: italic;">Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp</span>., because the heads can deteriorate and fail to work during a fire. The company has received five reports of sprinklers failing to work during a fire.<br /></p><p>Details: by phone at <span style="font-weight: bold;">800-248-0278</span>; by web at <a href="http://www.globesprinkler.com/">http://www.globesprinkler.com</a> or <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/">http://www.cpsc.gov</a>.</p>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-75754587331270069342007-06-08T09:23:00.000-07:002007-06-08T10:41:25.094-07:00Fire Safety: Mattress Law More Harm Than Good?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06091.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 207px;" src="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06091.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Many people consider laws that require fire sprinklers in all residential buildings think this sort of legislation is unnecessary. When they face stiff resistance, they're forced to enact other laws that seem good on paper, but don't consider the repercussions. For example, in this article from <a href="http://www.newsreview.com/chico/Content?oid=331812">NewsReview.com</a> (below) there is a federal law in place that focuses on the combustibility of the mattress. Each year, many people die from fires in bed that are generally caused by cigarettes and candles.<br /><br />Instead of requiring that homes be fitted with sprinklers, the federal government has chosen to introduce a law that will require that the mattress industry make their products nearly inflammable. The problem is that the legislation will force many mattress manufacturers to introduce dangerous or even deadly chemicals in their product:<br /><br />"Richard Lash has been preparing to meet the blowtorch test. When July 1 comes around, he'll be ready.<br /><br />Lash is the co-owner of Square Deal Mattress Factory, Chico's vaunted micro-manufacturer of quality mattresses. For some time, he has known that a new federal law governing mattresses' combustibility will go into effect next month.<br /><br />The law will require all mattresses to withstand an open flame from two blowtorches for two minutes without bursting into flame and to stay below a certain temperature for 30 minutes.<br /><br />There have been mandatory fire regulations regarding cigarettes and mattresses for more than 30 years ... but blowtorches? Now, that's a tall order.<br /><br />The good news is the law is expected to save about 270 lives a year. The bad news is it will force millions of Americans to sleep on beds that could be covered with toxic flame-retardant chemicals. That includes babies sleeping on crib mattresses.<br /><br />Many larger mattress manufacturers are coating their materials with chemicals such as formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony and fiberglass in order to meet the new codes.<br /><br />'I don't think any of them are particularly good for you,' said Dr. Gary Incaudo, a Chico allergist. 'I just worry about mattresses because it's right up against your face for a really long time.'"<br /><br />You can read the rest of the article <a href="http://www.newsreview.com/chico/Content?oid=331812">here</a>. It's obvious that a complete fire sprinkler system would protect not <span style="font-style: italic;">only </span>those sleeping on their beds at night but everyone in every other part of the house as well -- without harsh and nasty chemicals. It's like putting a <span style="font-style: italic;">Band-Aid</span> on a very harsh and serious wound.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06091.html">law</a> goes into effect on July 1st of 2007.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">* photo - CPSC</span>ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-10764766719136923972007-05-24T09:20:00.000-07:002007-05-24T09:24:09.821-07:00Residential Fire Sprinklers Receive Unprecedented Support at ICC HearingPress Release from the <a href="http://www.ircfiresprinkler.org/">IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition</a> website: "At the International Code Council's (ICC) final action hearing in Rochester, NY on May 23rd, we saw an unprecedented level of support for residential fire sprinklers. A proposal to modify the International Residential Code in favor of fire sprinklers in single-family homes received affirmative votes from well over half of the voting members present. Only because of a procedural requirement for a super-majority vote of two-thirds, as opposed to a simple majority, was the sprinkler proposal not adopted.<br /><br />'Our level of support in Rochester was nothing short of astounding. I've been a proponent of residential sprinklers for many years, and to see what the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition has accomplished in less than six months to rally this cause gives me great confidence in the future of residential sprinklers,' said Ronny J. Coleman, former California state fire marshal. 'It's now clear to me that the question is no longer if we'll have a national requirement for residential sprinklers, but when, and I think it will happen soon.'<br /><br />With the nation's model building codes now requiring fire sprinkler systems to protect all multi-family residential occupancies, home fire sprinklers represent the final piece missing from the nation's residential fire safety package.<br /><br />'Eight out of ten fire deaths in America occur at home, where people feel safest,' said Meri-K Appy, President of the Home Safety Council. 'Our path forward is clear. We must continue to educate code officials, home builders and others about the importance of residential fire sprinklers.'<br /><br />Safety experts know that while smoke alarms are essential, only fire sprinklers have the ability to automatically put water on the fire, controlling or even extinguishing it completely. This is especially important in protecting children, older people and individuals who need extra time or assistance to escape from a burning home. The technology, already protecting families in hundreds of thousands of homes across the country, is proven to save lives and protect property.<br /><br />Building on momentum leading up to the Rochester hearing, the <a href="http://www.ircfiresprinkler.org/">IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition</a> will continue to advance the cause of life-safety. In pursuit of its mission to convey facts and dispel myths about residential sprinklers, copies of an international Web cast on this topic aired by the Coalition on May 3rd and viewed by hundreds of download sites are now available for free on DVD."ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-47871540061878291402007-05-10T09:37:00.000-07:002007-05-10T09:49:38.157-07:00"Blaze Leaves Doormaker with Minor Damage"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/492628344_660f1b0983.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/492628344_660f1b0983.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Here's a real world example of how a business can have a fire break out and, because of sprinklers, be back in business the same week.<br /><br />From the <a href="http://www.forestgrovenewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=117268944885074500">Forest Grove News-Times</a>: "By all accounts, employees of Woodfold, Inc. are lucky to be making doors this week - and not shoveling piles of smoldering ash.<br /><br />A fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. Monday in a partially covered area that the Forest Grove manufacturer used to store a dump truck, which is believed to have been the source of the first spark. Had the blaze spread it could have reached a couple hundred thousand board-feet of wood. But fire walls and a sprinkler system contained the flames before they could destroy some of the company's more crucial operations, and fire agencies extinguished the flames within two hours. No one was injured. Damages are estimated at $150,000-plus. <br /><br />If that building had not had a sprinkling system, it's likely we would all still be there," David Nemeyer, fire inspector for the Forest Grove Fire Department, said nearly four hours after the fire was put out at 5:30 a.m. 'The fire sprinklers did their job today. It really showed how important they are.'<br /><br />The stakes were huge for Forest Grove and the surrounding area. Woodfold is one of the city’s largest employers, with 125 employees, who are also shareholders in the employee-owned company. <br /><br />Woodfold builds accordion doors, among other things, and does upward of $17 million in sales annually."<br /><br />Had the fire been worse, the timing couldn't have made a blacker mark on Woodfold's calendar: 2007 is the year of its 50th anniversary. Instead, 2007 will also be remembered as a year when Woodfold dodged a bullet.<br /><br />Just hours after the fire, 75 percent of Woodfold's operations were running, said Vice President John Doran. He predicted that it could be operating fully by the end of the week, when electricians will have had time to reroute some major electrical work that was damaged in the blaze.<br /><br />'I would guess that within a week, you’ll hardly be able to tell anything happened,' he said, commending the local fire agencies.<br /><br />The company executive echoed firefighters' observation that the sprinklers and the firewalls did their job.<br /><br />'The system worked,' he said."ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-31438184992291649352007-05-02T10:09:00.000-07:002007-05-02T10:44:13.795-07:00NAHB Against Fire Sprinkler SafetyThe <span style="font-weight: bold;">National Association of Home Builders</span> has inexplicably come out <span style="font-style: italic;">against</span> residential fire sprinklers.<br /><br />On their site, they have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">NAHB</span> <a href="http://www.nahb.org/category.aspx?sectionID=843">Disaster Resources</a> section. And in this section, there is a Residential Fire Sprinkler Action Kit - which sounds like something helpful for contractors, builders, and remodeling companies to help ensure the lives of the people they work for. But, instead, it says this:<br /><br /><blockquote>The <a href="http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=1041&genericContentID=44768" target="_self">Residential Fire Sprinkler Action Kit</a> provides you with the information you need to know in opposing mandatory fire sprinkler requirements for one- and two-family dwellings in the IRC. </blockquote>However, this section is restricted to members only, as they may have something to hide. The NAHB claims that smoke alarms are enough in a residential setting and that mandatory sprinklers would add too much to the cost of a new house.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.iccsafe.org/">International Code Council</a> final action hearings are scheduled for May 21-26 of this year in <place st="on"></place><city st="on"></city>Rochester, <state st="on"></state>New York .<br /><br />Despite the outcome, it is very sad that in all the statistics that the NAHB lists on why smoke alarms are enough - - they fail to point out that many, many people are still injured and die and lose most of their property because fire sprinklers were not installed to protect them.<br /><br />Keep an eye on the debate and vote. And we'll make sure we report the outcome here. Let's hope that we can afford to make America safe (and protect all of our firefighters who are forced to go into these burning buildings that have no sprinklers...)<br /><br />Despite the bloated NAHB costs per square foot: fire sprinklers save money and save lives - sprinklers cause less damage, use less water, reduce insurance costs, protect homeowners' lives, protect fire fighters' lives, work effectively, and are relatively inexpensive to install in a newly constructed home. The facts do not lie.<br /><br />Greed, for lack of a better word, kills...ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37738917.post-23260577405813534932007-04-18T09:22:00.000-07:002007-04-18T09:33:22.010-07:00Hawaii Requesting Tax Breaks for Sprinklers!The <a href="http://starbulletin.com/2007/04/13/editorial/editorial01.html">Star Bulletin</a> in Honolulu had an interesting opinion piece recently where they talked about wanting state legislators to provide tax incentives for installing fire sprinklers in residential buildings.<br /><br />According to the article, a law was passed in '75 that required all new high-rise buildings to install sprinkler systems - the loophole was that existing buildings were not required to retrofit.<br /><br />Here's the rest of the article:<br /><br />"Fire that gutted a 25th-floor condominium near Kapiolani Boulevard and injured six people is the latest reminder of why aging residential buildings need sprinkler systems. The City Council has seemed willing to approve such a requirement if state tax breaks are available, but the Legislature has dropped the ball. State lawmakers should approve such a deduction before the next blaze.<br /><br />Following the Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel fire, the City Council in 1983 mandated retrofitting of older hotels. The Council required sprinklers in the 35 older commercial buildings in 2001, feeling the heat from a fire at the Interstate Building on King Street that injured 11 firefighters and caused extensive damage.<br /><br />Following the death of an elderly man in a Waikiki high-rise fire two years ago, Mayor Mufi Hannemann called on the Council to pass an ordinance requiring sprinkler systems in all high-rises.<br /><br />The Council has resisted because of the burden on condo owners; sprinklers could cost between $4,500 and $13,000 per unit, according to Lloyd Rogers, a Honolulu fire battalion chief who heads the Fire Prevention Bureau. From 2000 through 2004, he said, 21 fires in high-rise buildings with sprinkler systems caused $175,410 in damage, while 46 fires in unequipped high-rises caused $2.7 million in damage.<br /><br />A city advisory group headed by Rogers concluded two years ago that financial incentives are needed to persuade the 12,600 owners of older condos to install sprinklers. Legislation to provide tax breaks for such installations has died in past sessions and has languished this year in the House after gaining Senate approval."<br /><br />As far as tax incentives, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Construction Deal.com</span> thinks it's a great idea. Firefighters, insurance companies, and other experts everywhere understand that a fire sprinkler or fire suppression system saves lives. And saves property. Anything that helps get these sprinkler systems installed is a great idea - whether it is laws or tax breaks... it can save lives.<br /><br />If you're interested in retrofitting your high-rise building, we've recently added a <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/showJobCategory.pub?categoryId=72&rid=38">commercial fire sprinkler installation</a> category! Post your request with us - <span style="font-style: italic;">for free</span>! You'll save time as <a href="http://www.constructiondeal.com/showJobCategory.pub?categoryId=72&rid=38">sprinkler contractors</a> will call you.ConstructionDeal.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17249235251675737082noreply@blogger.com0