MUST SEE VIDEO: SURVIVING FIRE
Take a look at this video and article!
http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Must-See-Video-Surviving-Fire-101603753.html
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Take a look at this video and article!
http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Must-See-Video-Surviving-Fire-101603753.html
Looking to learn more about the higher education opportunity act? Check out this webinar.
The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) is participating with SimplexGrinnell in their “Learn from the Leader” series of webinars. CCFS President, Paul D. Martin will present the Higher Education Opportunity Act – An overview of Campus Safety Requirements.
You’ll learn:
• The fire safety and emergency response and evacuation components of the Higher Education Opportunity Act
• The associated regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education
• Resources available to colleges and universities
• Best-practice examples of the ways several campuses are complying with the new requirements
A Certificate of Attendance Will Be Issued to All Participants
A Free Webinar – September 15, 2010 – 12 noon – 1 PM – (Eastern Daylight Time)
Follow this link for registration info and more.
Check out this new product from Notifier:
NOTIFIER INTRODUCES FAAST ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION
New Aspiration Detector Provides Flexible Levels of Advanced Warning for
Challenging Environments and Critical Facilities
NORTHFORD, Conn, July 20, 2010 – NOTIFIER by Honeywell (NYSE: HON) introduces the new System Sensor FAAST™ (Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology) detector with five alarm levels to provide advanced warning of smoke while virtually eliminating false alarms. As an integral component of a NOTIFIER fire alarm system, FAAST smoke detection from System Sensor delivers rapid, more precise protection to high-value, high-security and mission-critical facilities, even in the most challenging environments.
The FAAST aspiration detector draws air samples into its sensor through a pipe network. Its exclusive dual source sensing technology uses a highly sensitive blue LED (light-emitting diode) to sense smoke, while an infrared laser quickly distinguishes other airborne particulates from smoke. The detector then uses complex algorithms to interpret signals from both sources to warn of smoke up to 60 minutes prior to combustion while preventing nuisance alarms and the false discharge of connected suppression systems.
Five programmable alarm levels, the most offered by any aspiration system, allow optimum flexibility in setting system sensitivity and warnings for site-specific requirements. An exclusive Acclimate Mode feature automatically regulates system settings to stay within pre-specified parameters to adjust to current conditions and further reduce false alarms.
The FAAST detector’s ability to trigger advanced smoke warnings at different stages of a fire is essential for commercial properties intent on minimizing downtime, preventing data loss and avoiding damage from smoke, fire and water. NOTIFIER systems utilizing FAAST can also protect facilities that pose evacuation difficulties, such as hospitals, prisons and stadiums. Unlike most aspiration systems, FAAST is just as effective in environments involving high air velocities, extreme temperature fluctuations and other unstable conditions.
An integrated communications package unique to FAAST can provide e-mail notifications of specific alarm levels, fault levels and other isolated conditions to multiple e-mail addresses. Utilizing an Ethernet connection, authorized users can also monitor the system remotely via a secure Internet connection.
FAAST is listed by both UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and FM (Factory Mutual) as a VEWFD (Very Early Warning Fire Detection) system. For more information on NOTIFIER fire alarm and emergency communications systems with FAAST from System Sensor, visit www.notifier.com.
FIKE EXPANDS TRAINING FACILITY
Blue Springs, MO, July 27, 2010 – Fike® announces the completion of a new training facility at the company’s corporate headquarters in Blue Springs, Missouri. This new training lab will demonstrate Fike Fire Detection and Control products from all over the globe enabling employees, distributors, and customers to learn through hands-on experience. The design of the room allows for customized product demonstrations based on specific application needs.
Sean Titus, Fike’s Director of Operations and Technical Services says, “We are able to show customers exactly what products they are interested in and how those products work together. In addition, we are also able to demonstrate large scale options and complete functionality that is difficult to show in tabletop demos. With this new training room, we are able to show a fully operational, integrated detection and control system.”
The new Fike training room is equipped to cover the full line of Fike Alarm Systems offerings including, but not limited to, CyberCat intelligent control panels, Fike’s new integrated voice evacuation, Precise event management system, and SigniFire video image detection technology.
“We are continuously expanding our technology, offering the most complete solutions to our customers,” says Kevin Montgomery, Fike Senior Product Marketing Specialist. “Having the ability to display our systems and obtain feedback on what performs the best allows us to provide better products and service to our customers. This room demonstrates our drive to solve the most complex alarm system needs while not losing sight of our overall goal of customer satisfaction.”
Fike is a globally recognized supplier of products and services that protect people and critical assets from dangers such as fire, explosion, and over-pressurization. With over 60 years experience manufacturing safety solutions, Fike offers a complete line of proven, reliable products to customers around the world.
For more information please go to:
www.fike.com
Remote Monitoring and Control of Emergency Communications Available via IP
NORTHFORD, Conn, March 12, 2010 – NOTIFIER by Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announces its IP-based emergency communications (a.k.a. mass notification) platform has gone completely digital to optimize speed and intelligibility of emergency communications. The ONYXWorks™ workstation enables users to distribute live audio messages digitally via its NOTIFY-IP™ Internet gateway to local, regional, national and even international facilities. An intelligent network interface designed by NOTIFIER enables the workstation and IP platform to easily integrate with buildings’ new or existing fire alarm voice evacuation systems to provide onsite and remote monitoring and control.
The ONYXWorks workstation is a high-speed industrial PC with an interactive graphic display capable of monitoring a combination of different manufacturers’ building systems, including fire alarm, security, access control and video. The addition of NOTIFY-IP allows authorized users to instantly deploy pre-recorded commands or live voice instructions (via a microphone at the workstation) over a secure Internet connection. Whether directed to specific building areas or entire campuses, the speed and intelligibility of audio communications provided by NOTIFY-IP’s new digital platform can be crucial in the midst of an emergency.
Paging zones and pre-recorded commands for emergency communications can be created through the ONYXWorks workstation at the time of its initial set-up. During an emergency, NOTIFY-IP’s intuitive screen commands make the activation of emergency communications to desired paging locations simple. NOTIFY-IP also confirms delivery of messages by providing feedback from all zones and speakers activated by the paging command. All emergency communications are encrypted for security purposes and each network IP connection is continuously monitored for system integrity.
NOTIFIER’s Ethernet gateway allows users to monitor multiple facilities from any remote location via Ethernet. In the event a fire/security command center equipped with an ONYXWorks workstation needs to be evacuated, authorized users can still deploy pre-recorded commands through the NOTIFY-IP gateway through Ethernet.
NOTIFY-IP is compatible with NOTIFIER’s ONYX® Series of fire protection and mass notification systems. For more product information or to contact a local NOTIFIER Engineered Systems Distributor, visit www.notifier.com.
Notifier, part of the Honeywell (NYSE: HON) Fire Systems group, is one of the largest manufacturers of engineered fire alarm systems with more than 400 authorized distributors worldwide and regional support operations on every continent. Notifier’s extensive fire alarm, life safety and mass notification offerings include standalone, networked and integrated solutions, plus graphic interface monitoring systems for facility managers and first responders. Visit www.notifier.com for more detailed information.
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.
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Notice from Notifier: This release contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. |
By: Wayne D. Moore, P.E., FSFPE,
Published by: Fire Protection Engineering Magazine:
In fire situations, it is not unusual for occupants to delay notifying the fire department while they attempt to fight the fire. Over the years, this has happened far too often. And, every time this kind of incident occurs, it reinforces the real impact that time has on the successful management of a fire.
On many occasions, trained occupants have used portable fire extinguishers to keep small fires from becoming large fires. But, to use portable extinguishers properly, individuals must receive proper training. This training should emphasize that the occupants must sound the alarm and notify the fire department before they attempt to fight a fire.
However, even with the proper training, it is still possible that someone will first reach for a portable fire extinguisher and forget to sound an alarm or forget to notify the fire department before trying to extinguish the fire. Another possible scenario is that someone inadvertently blocks access to the portable fire extinguisher. Similarly, a trained individual may attempt to use a fire extinguisher that isn’t pressurized or is missing.
Fortunately, building owners can employ modern technology to bridge the gap between what they expect to happen when someone discovers a fire and what actually happens. Active monitoring systems are available for portable fire extinguishers. This new extinguisher monitoring system connects to the building fire alarm system or to any other centralized monitoring equipment. Whenever someone lifts a portable fire extinguisher, the interface module will initiate either a fire alarm signal or a supervisory signal on the fire alarm system. The type of signal will depend upon the building fire plan that the owner has developed and on the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
If someone blocks access to a portable fire extinguisher, the interface module can detect the blockage and, after a suitable and selectable time delay, initiate a supervisory signal on the building fire alarm system. This will notify management of the facility that something has blocked access to an extinguisher.
In addition, the extinguisher monitoring system will monitor the stored pressure inside the portable fire extinguisher and initiate a supervisory signal on the building fire alarm system to notify maintenance personnel that the extinguisher needs service.
The basic system and its interface module monitor the pressure gauge signals and contain the obstruction detection technology. The interface module with the specially enabled extinguisher allows a portable fire extinguisher to become a fully supervised component of a monitored fire alarm system. The system is listed and meets the requirements of NFPA 101 and NFPA 72.2 Its use also eliminates 11 of the monthly visual inspections required by NFPA 10.
The extinguisher monitoring system offers many benefits. But just the benefit of interfacing with the building fire alarm system to monitor the portable fire extinguisher can improve the overall effectiveness of the fire protection for a building.
This aspect of the integration allows the occupants to receive training so they will understand that they can have confidence that, when they lift the extinguisher off of the holder to attempt fire suppression and control, others will receive immediate notification of the situation. They will also be assured that the extinguisher is charged and ready to use.
The point behind the value of the extinguisher monitoring system rests with an understanding of the critical importance of time to truly effective fire protection. The common thread to every successful or unsuccessful outcome of a fire suppression effort relates to time. Time represents the yardstick of fire suppression.3
The times associated with a fire scenario include detection time, occupant response time, escape time, fire department response time, fire suppression set-up time and suppression time. A typical fire safety goal is to reduce all response-related times and increase the amount of time for escape. Where response times are reduced, the outcomes are more likely to be favorable, whether in terms of loss of life or reduction of the property loss.
In many new buildings constructed over the last 10 to 15 years, there will be an automatic fire sprinkler system monitored by a fire alarm system, which is connected to an off-site monitoring station. There may also be fire extinguishing or suppression systems that protect hazards unique to the occupancy of the building. In addition, portable fire extinguishers may be used to enable occupants to take action prior to the fire becoming large enough to operate one of the fixed fire protection systems.
Portable fire extinguishers can play an important part in allowing the occupants of a building to control or extinguish a fire. However, occupants can also misjudge the ability of a portable fire extinguisher to extinguish a fire. This, in turn, can introduce a delay in notifying the fire department and affect the response time.
When a person sees a fire, he or she may either choose to evacuate or choose to fight the fire.4 The ideal response for a person who discovers a relatively small fire and decides to fight that fire is to sound the alarm and grab a readily available portable fire extinguisher and attempt to extinguish the fire, or at least try to contain the fire for a short period of time. It is imperative to ensure that the extinguisher is operational and accessible.
Sadly, in some instances, people who have not received proper training will attempt to fight a fire with an extinguisher. Even worse, a trained person may “forget” the training when faced with the crisis of a real fire. In both cases, the individual will begin to fight the fire but fail to operate a manual fire alarm box to allow the fire alarm system to notify the other building occupants and the fire department.
When a person chooses to fight the fire before notifying the other building occupants and the fire department, he or she not only delays notification to the occupants and the fire department, he or she increases the danger to the other occupants of the building and delays the response of the fire department. If his or her efforts to fight the fire fail, emergency responders will not immediately respond to the fire because they have not received proper notification.
Using the extinguisher monitoring system allows system designers to integrate the use of portable fire extinguishers as part of the alarm notification process. This will reduce the response time of the fire department and reduce the “detection” time.
In addition to using this technology to reduce response time and increase escape time, the extinguisher monitoring system provides active monitoring of the extinguisher. This ensures that the portable fire extinguisher remains present and accessible, as well as properly charged and ready for use.
The gauge portion of the extinguisher monitoring system provides an active pressure gauge. This pressure gauge offers a visual pressure status, an electronic output for signaling when someone removes a fire extinguisher from its designated location, and an electronic output to signal when the fire extinguisher pressure falls below a safe operating level. The gauge’s pressure monitoring circuitry utilizes a magnet on the underside of the indicating pointer that trips a switch as the internal pressure falls. The gauge’s electronic signal actuates circuitry within the accompanying interface module. The interface module in turn provides an output for direct interface with most types of fire alarm systems.
The interface module also provides the base for the obstruction detection technology. The obstruction detection circuit senses when something continuously blocks access to the fire extinguisher. The interface module also manages the power circuitry and provides a trouble signal when the input power falls below a safe operating level.
http://fpemag.com/articles/article.asp?i=441
Wayne Moore is with Hughes Associates, Inc.
References:
NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2007.
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2010.
Wilson, R., ‘‘Time: The Yardstick of Fire Control,” NFPA Firemen, 1962.
Engineering Guide – Human Behavior in Fire, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Bethesda, MD, 2003.
Underwriters Laboratories has released the following information on Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
“Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms play an important role in protecting the public against carbon monoxide poisoning. Having a basic understanding of CO poisoning, CO alarms, how they are listed, and how they are to be installed and maintained is an important consideration for code authorities, especially those in jurisdictions where installation of CO alarms is required. UL’s full document can be found here. (From Residential Fire Safety Institute Newsletter, www.firesafehome.org )
NFPA Americas Fire and Security Expo will join with the 2010 NFPA Conference & Expo …. Event to be held in Las Vegas this June
January 25, 2010, Lisle, IL—The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and ROC Exhibitions, Inc. announced today that Americas’ Fire and Security Expo (AFSE), previously held in Miami, will join together with the 2010 NFPA Conference &Expo, the largest and most prestigious fire and life safety industry event in the United States which will be held in Las Vegas June 7-10.
“AFSE has been a successful event for 15 years, serving primarily the Latin American distributors and integrators of fire and security products. Joining with NFPA’s premier Conference & Expo, which alternates between Chicago, Boston and Las Vegas, will better serve distribution channels and end users from Latin America by providing a larger audience and additional opportunities,” said Marc Rosenstock, President of ROC Exhibitions, Inc. “We are also exploring options for a possible return to Miami in 2011 with a new regional show that would meet the needs of that market,” Rosenstock added.
Sessions of special interest to the Latin American audience will be offered in Spanish or simultaneously translated, a Latin American networking function will be introduced, and an International Business Center will be established for the convenience of end-users and channel partners visiting from Latin America and other countries.
NFPA and ROC Exhibitions, Inc. are inviting both attendees and exhibitors from AFSE to participate in the 2010 NFPA Conference &Expo which takes place June 7-10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Exhibiting companies interested in reaching the largest gathering of international fire, life safety and electrical professionals in the region are encouraged to demonstrate their products at the 2010 NFPA C&E.
Conference attendees will be able to select from over 130 educational presentations organized by the NFPA to keep them up-to-date with the most important trends and code issues in the industry. At the expo, end users, distributors, and integrators will have an opportunity to network with 5,000 of their industry peers and interact with over 300 market-leading manufacturers and suppliers to the industry.
Registration is now open for the 2010 NFPA Conference and Expo. Visit www.nfpa.org/conference to pre-register. International travelers can request an official letter of invitation on the website for use in the visa application process.
Companies interested in demonstrating their products at the NFPA Conference & Expo should contact ROC Exhibitions, Inc. in Lisle, IL at 630-271-8210.
Press contact: Kathleen Brown
Telephone: 630-271-8233
e-mail: kbrown@rocexhibitions.com
NOTIFIER Fire Alarm/Mass Notification Systems Now Provide Multi-Media Alert Services
NORTHFORD, Conn, December 17, 2009 – NOTIFIER by Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has expanded its mass notification (a.k.a. emergency communications) capabilities to include delivery of multi-media alerts to PCs (personal computers), electronic signage, telephones and wireless devices. Communication management tools provided by REACT Systems™ can now integrate with NOTIFIER’s suite of mass notification systems to deliver critical information to targeted audi ences.
The REACT Critical Response Notification System works in conjunction with NOTIFIER’s suite of indoor/outdoor voice systems, amber strobes and LED signage to create a highly comprehensive emergency communication delivery system. Audio, SMS (text messaging), pictures and video alerts can be directed to targeted audiences, including first responders, personnel or the general public.
Instant pop-up windows containing emergency event information and response procedures can appear on PCs, regardless of the programs in-use. Alternate evacuation route diagrams can be shown on public video monitors simultaneously in different locales throughout a building. Verbal alerts can be sent to telephones while SMS and e-mail messages are delivered to wireless devices. Overall, communications can be distributed to an unlimited number of locations and recipients throughout the world, in any language.
Alerts can be triggered manually or triggered automatically via integration with NOTIFIER fire alarm and mass notification systems. The REACT Console allows authorized users to initiate and update alerts, manage users, track the status of events, update media content (i.e. maps, graphics, photographs) and manage the system configuration. To quickly launch general or predetermined notifications, “Single Button Alert” panic buttons can be configured to initiate alerts to specific audiences quickly with the click of the mouse or press of a button on the keyboard.
For more information on NOTIFIER’s complete portfolio of mass notification solutions, visit www.notifier.com.
Notifier is a member of www.fire-professionals.com. Visit the Notifier Company Showcase page on Fire-Professionals.com
Advanced Fire Systems’ Ax Series of Intelligent Fire Alarm Control Panels support 1, 2 or 4 loops in both standalone and networked (up to 200 nodes) configurations. Each high current (500 mA) SLC driver, supports up to 126 intelligent devices with unique sub-addressing expanding system capacity up to 1512 points per panel. An integral “loop booster” sustains regulated loop voltage during AC power loss eliminating degradation in system performance and may support either shielded or non shielded wire.
Each panel comes with two expandable to four, high current, voltage regulated, Notification Appliance Circuits that are compatible with virtually any listed Notification Appliance Device available on the market. An integral 5 Amp power supply may be expanded to 10 Amps. Its built-in voltage and current meters provide tremendous time savings during the install process and similar to the system status, may be viewed on or off site with its Virtual Panel Software Tool or our IP Gateway product. All of the AX Series panels and peripherals are certified to ANSI/UL-864 9th Edition.