Fire protection systems can mean the life or death of your business or property. Whether you are a commercial property investor, a building owner, or you are the property manager responsible for inspections by local, state and federal authorities, protecting what you have worked hard to earn can be easy and cost effective if you invest in proper fire protection equipment.

Fire protection supplies can range from extinguishers to fire safes to alarms to overhead sprinklers. How much you invest in these preventative measures can help you minimize loss in the case of a fire.

To take fire protection measures for your business:

1. Ask the local fire marshal what changes would make you compliant with local regulations.

2. Ask him or her for any additional insight on how best to protect your inventory and your building.

3. Make cost-effective purchases for your business and install them as soon as possible.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find fire protection equipment online

You can easily buy fire protection equipment on the web, from the comfort of your office.

I recommend: Potter Roemer Fire Protection Equipment offers a full range of fire protection supplies. Lompoc Fire Equipment Service, Inc. has been in business over 25 years, and they offer many extinguisher products. They also offer first aid kits, fire retardants, and extinguisher signs. Lab Safety Supply offers a wide variety of fire extinguishing equipment including extinguishers and foam carts.

Install architectural or semi-permanent fire protection supplies

Consider having a hose system or a fire extinguisher cabinet built into the walls of your business.

I recommend: Larsen’s Manufacturing has been in business for over 45. They specialize in building construction and fire protection equipment for your business. Delta Fire Protection and Equipment sells portable as well as fixed fire extinguishers. They also offer commercial and industrial fire maintenance services and sprinkler systems. Industrial Fire & Safety offers fire extinguisher cabinets in addition to the multitude of other fire safety equipment choices that they offer.

Prepare for more than just extinguishing fires

Having a fire extinguisher onsite shouldn't be your only precaution. Other fire safety equipment that you should consider having at your business should include fire alarm systems, gas detectors, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and various other suppression systems.

I recommend: Reliable Fire Equipment Company offers the prevention product the VESDA Early Warning System. Also consider a Linear Heat Detection system.

Rely on advice from the fire protection experts

There are two industry organizations that can offer you additional insight and confidence in the companies that you choose to purchase your fire protection systems and supplies from.

I recommend: The National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) represents over one thousand fire protection equipment providers. It was established in 1963, and they aim to provide consumers quality vendors and reliable fire protection equipment. The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (FEMA) has a collection of educational websites and materials designed to teach building owners, managers, and employees how to operate their fire protection equipment for extinguishing fires.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The acronym to remember for fire extinguishers is PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
• •  Type A extinguishers are made to put out ordinary combustibles, Type B is for flammable liquids, Type C extinguishers are for electrical equipment, Type D extinguishers are for the specific metals for which they are created, and Type K extinguishers are for cooking media.