Electric Fireplaces

Since 9/11, Most Americans Uncertain About Fire Safety in Tall Buildings

gundogs — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:57:03 +0000

Since 9/11, Most Americans Uncertain About Fire Safety in Tall Buildings

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) August 31, 2011

A nationwide survey conducted by Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) revealed that only 7% of Americans feel safer from fire in high-rise buildings since the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

“Because most people will always remember the images of the World Trade Center Towers collapsing, it’s understandable only a small percentage of the population would feel safer in tall buildings,” said SPFE Engineering Program Manager, Chris Jelenewicz. “However, since 9/11, fire protection engineers have increased their scrutiny of extreme events and have significantly improved the science & technology that is needed to make high-rise buildings safer during emergencies.”

Fire protection engineers analyze buildings from the standpoint of how fires start and grow, and how they affect people and property. They work closely with other professionals, including architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to ensure safer high-rise buildings.

“With respect to fire, tall buildings have unique risks,” said Jelenewicz. “For example, fire department ladders cannot reach the upper floors of a high-rise building and it takes more time for people to evacuate during an emergency.”

As part of the World Trade Center Towers collapse investigation in 2005, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), recommended including fire protection engineers in building design teams in order to prevent future devastation, especially with high rise buildings. The report also recommended significant changes to the way tall buildings are constructed to make them more resistant to fire and more easily evacuated during emergencies. Many of these recommendations resulted in changes to the model building and fire codes.

Some of the changes to the way tall buildings are designed and constructed that have occurred since 9/11 include:

    Facilitating more efficient building evacuations
    Improvements in the marking of exits
    Protecting the integrity of stair and elevator enclosures
    Increasing the reliability of fire protection systems
    Improving the installation of structural fireproofing
    Facilitating improved emergency responder operations

“Although better building design and construction methods cannot stop determined terrorists, they can dramatically increase the number of lives saved in the event of an attack,” said Jelenewicz. “The changes to the way fire protection engineers design tall buildings have become the new norm in the construction industry and will certainly make our tall buildings safer.”

The SPFE survey was conducted online within the US in January, 2011 among 1,000 adults. Respondents for this survey were selected via a systematic random sample from among those who have agreed to participate in Synovate Panel surveys. The Synovate online panel is composed of over 840,000 adults who have been recruited to regularly participate in Synovate’s online surveys. Results were weighted by age, race/ethnicity, sex, and education, to reflect population proportions. The complete survey is available at http://www.sfpe.org/SFPETools/MediaPress.aspx.

What is a Fire Protection Engineer?

According to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a fire protection engineer applies science and engineering principles to protect people, homes, workplaces, the economy and the environment from the devastating effects of fires. Fire protection engineers analyze how buildings are used, how fires start and grow, and how fires affect people and property. They use the latest technologies to design systems to control fires, alert people to danger, and provide means for escape. Fire protection engineers also work closely with other professionals, including engineers of other disciplines, architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to build fire safe communities. Fire protection engineers are in high demand. The number of available jobs far exceeds the supply.

About Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Organized in 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) is the professional organization that represents engineers engaged in fire protection worldwide. Through its membership of over 5,000 professionals and 65 international chapters, SFPE advances the science and practice of fire protection engineering while maintaining a high ethical standard. SFPE and its members serve to make the world a safer place by reducing the burden of unwanted fire through the application of science and technology. To become a member, go to http://www.sfpe.org.

CONTACT:

Chris Jelenewicz

301.718.2910 (ext 108)

chris(at)sfpe(dot)org

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What are the components of a fire extinguisher, how do they work to release water of foam?

gundogs — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:05 +0000

Question by piink318: What are the components of a fire extinguisher, how do they work to release water of foam?
What mechanics are inside a fire extinguisher, how do they work to release water or foam or any type of agent to smother or put out a fire? Inside the fire extinguisher, is water already in there? Is foam already in there? Do you have to refill a fire extinguisher with water or foam? Can you run out of water or foam while trying to put out a fire?

Best answer:

Answer by NavyNarc
There are several types of fire extinguishers.

Your basic CO2 fire extinguisher is filled with compressed CO2 gas, which is released as you trigger the extinguisher. The CO2 smothers the oxygen away from the flames to put out the fire. The cold form the CO2 decompressing also helps to remove some heat.

There is also a foam based fire extinguisher. The foam is essentially produced by mixing a soaping agent with water. A stand alone extiguisher of this type usually has the soap and water preset and pressurized to come out of the extinguisher. The water will remove heat from the fire, and the foam will act to block the oxygen from the fire. These types of extinguishers are most effective against oil based fires.

The last type of extinguisher is a type of dry chemical based extinguisher. These extinguishers will have the dry chemical in the cylinder and will often have a small canister of compressed CO2 on them. When the extinguisher is needed, the small canister is used to pressurize the dry chemical to force is out of the extinguisher.

In all cases, extinguishers will run out after use. In general an extinguisher will provide one to two minutes of fire fighting ability. Extinguishers can be recharged, but only by someone trained to do so. For more information, you cna probably contact your local fire department. Most store bought extinguishers are not rechargable, but will need replaced use.

Give your answer to this question below!

Q&A: How do you start a fire at a beach fire ring?

gundogs — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:42:12 +0000

by The U.S. National Archives

Question by Kathleen B: How do you start a fire at a beach fire ring?
My friend and I are throwing a party at the beach and we are having smores at a nearby fire ring. I’ve never started a fire before. So what materials do I need and how do I do it, and where can I purchase the materials? People have been telling me to use “fire starter” logs. Please give me info. THE PARTY IS THIS WEDNESDAY!! (the 20th)

Best answer:

Answer by Joe L
Put down the logs, then cover them with liquid such as lighter fluid or gasoline. Light a newspaper and touch it to the gas.

What do you think? Answer below!

Fire Blanket – Used In Europe For Decades – Enters the US With More Effective Way to Extinguish Kitchen Fires

gundogs — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:41:38 +0000

Fire Blanket – Used In Europe For Decades – Enters the US With More Effective Way to Extinguish Kitchen Fires

Haines City, FL (PRWEB) June 23, 2009

The Fire Blanket Corporation, distributors of the only ASTM Certified Domestic Fire Blanket – a fire suppression device that has been a staple in most European homes, is now available for the U.S. consumer market. Fire Blanket represents a new and cleaner way to put out kitchen fires.

To see the new Fire Blanket and learn more visit http://www.fbdusa.com

According to an August 2008 report from the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Loss In

The United States 2007:

US Fire Departments responded to an estimated 1.5 million fires in 2007, which resulted in 3,430 civilian fire fatalities.
There were 414,000 fires, or 78 percent of all structure fires, occurred in residential properties.
There were 17,675 civilian fire injuries resulting in an estimated $ 14.6 billion in direct property loss in 2007.
A civilian fire death is reported every 153 minutes and a civilian fire injury every 30 minutes.

Ease of Use Saves Valuable Time Reduces Loss of Property

Easy fire suppression solutions exist and, in fact, have been in use in Europe for years. One such solution is The Fire Blanket, a unique and easy to use product. While many homes may have a fire extinguisher, they are often hidden away, heavy, difficult to use, require training and maintenance.

The Fire Blanket is, by contrast, on view, lightweight, easy to deploy and requires no training or maintenance.

“There really is no training required,” said Declan Bulger, president of Fire Blanket Corporation. “Simply pull down the tabs, remove the blanket and calmly place over the cooking fire.

The Fire Blanket is easily mounted in the kitchen near the stove, quickly deployed, and with little effort placed over the fire to suppress it, leaving no additional mess to clean up.

According to the August 2007 FEMA U.S Fire Administration – Behavioral Mitigation of Cooking Fires report: “Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home injuries.”

Fire Blanket is well suited for more than just use in the kitchen. The company also recommends the product for dorm rooms, nursing homes, boats, RVs, camping, and other places where the possibility of a fire exists.

About Fire Blanket

Having received certification to the stringent ASTM Specification for Cooking Fire Suppression Blankets in the US, Fire Blanket is available for $ 35 and may be purchased online at http://www.fbdusa.com.

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Since 9/11 World Trade Center Attack, Fire Protection Engineers Boost Building Safety

gundogs — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:39:55 +0000

Since 9/11 World Trade Center Attack, Fire Protection Engineers Boost Building Safety

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) August 25, 2006

Although better building methods and codes can not stop determined terrorists, they can dramatically increase the number of lives saved in the event of an incident like the 9/11 World Trade Center attack.

One group of professionals in particular has worked hard to advance building occupants’ safety through better construction methods and codes: fire protection engineers.

Since 9/11, fire protection engineers have increased their scrutiny of extreme events, seeking to improve the science & technology that is needed to make tall buildings safer.

Last year, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as part of the investigation into the collapse of the World Trade Center, recommended including fire protection engineers in building design teams in order to prevent future devastation, especially in high rise buildings.

“We have seen our work sought more frequently among the general building community,” says Dr. Jim Milke, fire protection engineering professor at the University of Maryland.

NIST also recommended that engineers in other disciplines receive continuing education in fire protection engineering, so they too can know how buildings react under extreme conditions.

Even before NIST released its report, the Bethesda, MD-based Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) had undertaken initiatives to advance similar goals.

“We believe that we have a very important mission to serve our communities,” says Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager for SFPE. “Our knowledge base can be tapped to help limit damage and loss of lives in an extreme emergency.”

SFPE recently collaborated with engineering departments at several colleges and universities to help develop courses that teach the principles of fire protection engineering to engineers of every discipline.

The Society also developed distance learning programs to increase access to fire protection engineering education for students unable to travel or dedicate the time to attend full-time fire protection engineering courses.

What is a fire protection engineer?

According to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a fire protection engineer applies science and engineering principles to protect people, homes, workplaces, the economy and the environment from the devastating effects of fires. Fire protection engineers analyze how buildings are used, how fires start and grow, and how fires affect people and property. They use the latest technologies to design systems to control fires, alert people to danger, and provide means for escape. Fire protection engineers also work closely with other professionals, including engineers of other disciplines, architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to build fire safe communities.

About Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Organized in 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the professional society for engineers involved in the field of fire protection engineering. The purposes of SFPE are to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering, maintain a high ethical standing among its members and foster fire protection engineering education. SFPE’s worldwide members include engineers in private practice, in industry, and in local, regional and national government. Chapters are located in Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

More information can be found at http://www.sfpe.org.

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Fire Protection & Investigation, LLC of Wyomissing PA Launches Fire Consulting Services for Businesses

gundogs — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:00:03 +0000

Fire Protection & Investigation, LLC of Wyomissing PA Launches Fire Consulting Services for Businesses

Wyomissing, PA (PRWEB) July 13, 2009

Fire Protection & Investigation Consulting Services is a professional company providing a full range of fire and life safety services including: consulting, risk evaluations, planning, support and solution recommendation, emergency management, education, building inspections and fire investigations. David A Janiszewski founded the company in 2005 after retiring as Fire Marshal for the City of Reading Fire and Emergency Services Department.

With 28 years of experience as a Reading firefighter, 2nd Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal, it is evident that the knowledge of fire safety is put to practice by Janiszewski. Fire Protection and Investigation has received Third Party Agency Certification from the Commonwealth of PA — Department of Labor & industry as well as certificates such as Fire Protection Specialist, Fire Code Official, Fire Investigator, Fire Plans Examiner, Building Official and PA State Fire Instructor.

After an extensive career contributed to fire and life safety issues, Janiszewski continues to offer his knowledge, education and experience as a fire and life safety professional. Fire Protection & Investigation works with organizations in Allentown, Reading, Lancaster, Harrisburg and Pottstown to ensure life safety, asset protection and code compliance for businesses and employees. David Janiszewski ensures that “Fire Protection & Investigations will assist in identifying hazards and unsafe practices in your organization, educate you in correction and prevention practices, design and manage emergency policies and procedure resulting in a safer environment for all.”

“Every 20 seconds, a fire department responds to an emergency somewhere in the nation. Studies show that people panic during emergencies because they are unprepared, uneducated and unaware of dangerous situations — or they believe it could never happen to them,” said Mr. Janiszewski.

About Fire Protection & Investigation, LLC:

Fire Protection & Investigation has established itself as a regional presence in the fire protection and investigation field. Fire Protection & Investigation’s services includes fire & life safety consulting, fire investigation, fire prevention education and training, life safety inspection and auditing, building fire safety procedures, fire evacuation planning, fire safety evaluations, and more. Headquarters are centrally located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. For more information, see Fire Protection & Investigation’s website at http://www.fire-lifesafetypro.com , or contact us at 610-678-5732.

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DealerFire National Sales Team Welcomes Sara Selbee as New Representative in the Northwest Region

gundogs — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:02:00 +0000

DealerFire National Sales Team Welcomes Sara Selbee as New Representative in the Northwest Region

Oshkosh, WI (PRWEB) July 24, 2011

DealerFire – the global leader in custom automotive websites and digital marketing solutions, has announced that Sara Selbee has joined the national sales team. Selbee, who is from Portland, Oregon will be working with dealerships West of the Mississippi and on the West coast to expand DealerFire’s continually growing customer base.

“I’m very pleased that, with the addition of Sara Selbee to the DealerFire team, we will be able to enhance relationships and reach more dealerships in the Pacific Northwest market,” said owner-founder Eric Hoopman. “Sara’s 360 degree view, from the data to the sale in the automotive marketplace will add value and ideas to any dealer she works with. DealerFire set out in this business with a pure and relentless focus on customer service and Sara’s shared value of this vision makes her a great addition to our team.”

With over a decade of experience in the automotive industry Selbee brings to the table extensive knowledge of managing dealership accounts. Selbee’s work history at Chrome as a business development specialist adds value to dealerships and her customer service and tech support experience at General Motors and Sitel is a benefit to future DealerFire clients.

DealerFire is very pleased to bring Selbee to our team and to continue to break into the Western territory and educate dealerships about the benefits of Dealerfire.

“I am very excited to join the DealerFire team,” noted Selbee. “I look forward to growing my career and working in a new region for this company.”

DealerFire is leading the automotive industry as the innovator in custom automotive website design and digital marketing. Based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, DealerFire is committed to providing car dealerships with a solution tailored to their individual dealership. With the most recent and innovative team in the industry, DealerFire is a front-runner in today’s highly competitive website design industry.

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What is the best way to start a fire for a copper fire pit?

gundogs — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:42:06 +0000

Question by beachcchs: What is the best way to start a fire for a copper fire pit?
I have just purchased a copper fire pit on a wrought iron stand. I am wanting to not only use it for a camp fire but to roast hot dogs and marshmallows on. I know the fire logs that can purchased are convenient but can’t be cooked with because of how they are treated. I am a single mom new to this fire starting thing. Can someone please tell me how to get a good fire started in a fire pit and keep the flame going?

Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Anna
We have a copper fire pit that we use for marshmallow roasts from time to time. My husband purchases Fire Starter Logs from Wal-mart. You find them in the camping section and they cost 33 cents. They are only about six or seven inches long and come in a black package. You build your firewood around it…make a pyramid structure with the wood.

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American Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Launches Fire Safety Campaign in Southern California: Peace of Mind for Residential and Commercial Clients

gundogs — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:36:34 +0000

American Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Launches Fire Safety Campaign in Southern California: Peace of Mind for Residential and Commercial Clients

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 08, 2011

American Fire Protection Systems (“AFPS”), Inc., http://www.americanfireinc.com, a leading provider of innovative fire protection services, announces its new campaign for homeowners and commercial businesses, enabling them to buy the right sprinklers and maintenance systems as a way to safeguard their property and well-being. This effort gives all consumers, both homeowners and businesses, an opportunity to work with the award-winning professionals at AFPS. These licensed experts, who enjoy the support of the industry’s largest and strongest bonding company, give clients the ability to receive economical – and highly effective – benefits through a single issue: fire safety.

“Aside from recently enacted laws in California, which mandate the installation of residential fire sprinklers in newly constructed homes as well as existing properties undergoing an addition, fire safety is the single most important undertaking an individual can make. Our experience in this industry – our proven reputation for creating customized solutions involving very facet of fire safety – distinguishes AFPS as the preferred choice for homeowners and commercial clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area,” says Simon Farahdel, Director of Business Development for AFPS.

AFPS oversees all phases of fire protection, including::

    Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems
    Fire Sprinkler System Design
    Fire Sprinkler Installation
    Underground Fire Protection Piping
    Class 1 Dry Standpipe Systems
    Class 2 Wet Standpipe Systems
    Class 3 Combined Fire Sprinkler Standpipe
    Fire Hydrants
    Backflow Preventor
    Fire Department Connections – FDC
    Fire Pumps / Fire Pump Controllers
    Post Indicator Valves – PIV
    Flow Switches / Tamper Switches
    24-Hour Emergency Service
    Annual Inspections
    NFPA 25 Maintenance and Testing
    High Piled Storage Plan & Permit
    Residential Fire Sprinkler Sys
    Annual & 5 year Fire Sprinkler Testing & Certification
    Title 19 Testing and Certification
    Fire Department Order
    Fire Sprinkler Repair & Maintenance
    Fire Protection Systems
    Fire Hose Analysis
    Portable Fire Extinguishers

Safety and Professionalism: Testimonials for AFPS

AFPS continues to win praise from a variety of residential and commercial clients. These testimonials underscore the “AFPS has worked for us since 2005. During this period they have consistently provided a first class, reliable and complete fire protection service. Their employees have always responded quickly to any enquiry raised and delivered a quality and effective service. We are primarily a warehouse distribution business holding extensive stock. Our fire protection has always been a primary consideration and AFPS have provided the level of service and solutions needed,” states Sam Robbins, CEO and Owner of HFL Solutions, Inc., a privately owned corporation specializing in health, fitness and longevity. “Sprinkler system installation is a specialty market. We utilize the expertise of American Fire Protection Systems at the design stage and during installation with regular team meetings, resulting in a bespoke, high quality installation every time,” says Donna Leventhal, Chief Architect of DL Design Architects, Inc.

About American Fire Protection Systems, Inc.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, American Fire Protection Systems (AFPS), Inc. provides high quality services for all phases of fire protection. With over 100 years of combined experience, the professionals at AFPS develop customized solutions for residential homeowners and commercial clients throughout Southern California. This level of expertise allows AFPS to evaluate, design, install and maintain – on time and on budget – the most innovative brands of fire protection systems currently available. Along with its emphasis on industry news, educational seminars and regulatory developments, AFPS offers the most relevant and effective fire prevention solutions for a diverse array of consumers. For more information about AFPS, please visit http://www.americanfireinc.com.

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Seminole Marketing Ventures LLC Launches MyFirePitsAndMore.com

gundogs — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:03 +0000

Seminole Marketing Ventures LLC Launches MyFirePitsAndMore.com

Friends Relaxing By Fire Pit

Altamonte Springs, FL (PRWEB) August 25, 2011

Myfirepitsandmore.com offers a way for parents wanting to interact with their kids.

A hot trend in backyard entertainment is the outdoor fire pit, providing a outdoor gathering place for parents and kids. Having a outdoor fire pit provides a way for families to socialize.

There are different types of fire pits to select from and cost varies from portable fire pits, propane fire pits, gas fire pits, brick fire pits and the popular chimenea which offers attractive designs.

The warmth and attraction of a fire pit have become a popular feature in the backyard. It brings a hot new trend for outdoor activities and entertaining year-round and a popular gathering spot.

About MyFirePitsAndMore.com.

Based in Altamonte Springs, Florida MyFirePitsANdMore.com is an online reseller of name brand outdoor fire pits. We have developed a top of the line selection of products and will continue to bring more quality products in the future. We are committed to providing high quality merchandise that you can trust.

Fore more information about products that we carry visit: http://www.myfirepitsandmore.com.

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