It is imperative for all businesses to ensure that their facility is up to local fire code. If a business operates in a facility that is not up to code, it runs the risk of being penalized heavily and having to pay fines. What is a fire code? A fire code is a set of requirements for all buildings in an area, both commercial, and industrial.

These regulations are there to insure the safety of all occupants of the building at all time. Fire suppression, proper fire safety storage, emergency preparedness, the way hazardous and combustible materials are handled, the conduct of the business that may pose fire hazards, and the design, operation and maintenance of the building all fall under the umbrella of fire safety codes.

At William Hird & Co. our dedicated team of professionals is fully versed in all local fire safety codes for the greater New York area, and parts of New Jersey. When businesses and facilities fall short of fire safety compliance, we provide assessments and solutions for the occupancies fire safety needs including but not limited to, fire safety signage, fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers and brackets, and fire line & architectural cabinets. We specialize in all aspects of fire suppression systems to get your business up to code including designing, filing, installation, inspection, testing, recharging, upgrades & repairs.

Do fire codes apply to me?

Yes, fire codes apply to all businesses and facilities in a given area. All buildings are expected to be in compliance with local code. If you are unsure whether or not your business is up to code, it is vital that you contact one of our fire safety specialists as soon as possible to come and assess your building.

How do I ensure my facility is up to code?

Contact one of our professionals immediately for an assessment of your buildings fire safety equipment. Our specialists have vast experience with installation of fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, standpipes, hose cabinets, signage, alarms, and more.

Do not hesitate to contact us to consult, layout and design your fire protection equipment and systems. We will ensure that your building is up to code, and that your business is protected from all possible fines due to non-compliance with local safety regulations.

Fires kill more Americans than all natural disasters combined. Every year more than 5,000 people die in fires, over 25,000 are injured, and direct property loss is estimated at over $9 billion. Fortunately, most fire losses can be prevented through effective public education and proper precautionary action.

At William Hird & Co. we specialize in bringing businesses up to par with local fire safety codes. Commercial and Industrial facilities are all subject to local fire codes, and can incur penalties if they are not properly set up with the appropriate equipment. Our specialists can assess, consult, and provide solutions for all types of businesses and their fire safety needs. Below are some statistics about fire safety to consider when thinking about the safety of your business and your employees:

The Danger of Fires

• In 2015, Fire Departments across the United States responded to over 1.3 million fires.
• There were 3,280 fire-related deaths and 15,700 injuries in the United States.
• Fires caused $14.3 billion in direct property losses throughout the entire country.
• A majority of fire-related deaths are the result of smoke-inhalation.
• Only 1/3 of Americans have practiced a fire escape plan.
• Every 23 seconds a fire department is responding to a fire

Major Causes of Fires

• 21% Cooking equipment
• 15% Electrical distribution and light equipment
• 11% Heating equipment
• 11% Intentional
• 06% Smoking materials

Fire Prevention and Equipment Information

• All commercial, industrial and institutional occupancies are required to have portable fire extinguishers throughout the facility
• All commercial cooking operations require protection with UL300 Wet Chemical Fire Suppression support systems
• Sprinkler systems are designed to automatically activate after the detecting the heat of a fire, providing a flow of water intended to slow or extinguish a fire
• Standpipe systems are a series of pipes that connect a water supply to hose connections that are intended for fire department or trained occupant use
• Fire hose cabinets house a high-pressure hose that carries water or other fire retardant to the fire to extinguish it
• Fire safety signs promote a safe environment and must be posted in conspicuous locations for all to see