Disposing of a fire extinguisher is a procedure that demands careful attention to ensure both safety and adherence to environmental regulations. Improper disposal can lead to potential hazards, such as unexpected explosions or the release of harmful chemicals. This guide provides a detailed framework for identifying when your fire extinguisher needs to be retired and elucidates the reasons why simply discarding it in the trash is not a viable or responsible option. When It’s Time to Get Rid of a Fire Extinguisher Identifying the appropriate moment to retire a fire extinguisher is crucial for m ..read more

We often associate summertime with barbecues, outdoor company events, and firework-lit nights. However, with the warm weather comes an increased risk of fires, especially in commercial settings. It’s crucial to understand these risks and take preventive measures to ensure the safety of your business, employees, and customers. Here are seven ways you can keep your people and property safe during the warmer months. 1. Be Mindful of Smoking Areas Most commercial buildings have designated smoking areas. However, during summer, due to the heat or rain, employees might feel inclined to smoke closer ..read more

With heating equipment and seasonal decorations in wider use between December and February, the National Fire Protection Association has found more fires in winter than in any other season.  It’s crucial to protect your assets with a proactive fire safety response. The regulatory ecosystem requires it of you by law, but that doesn’t make fire safety any easier to manage on your own. Your business needs to be equipped with the correct fire suppression and alarm equipment, which can be complicated. Your approach needs to address the unique risks of your business, so you need a fire speciali ..read more

October is fire safety month, an annual reminder to keep up with fire safety at home and the workplace. It’s always a good idea to keep up with maintaining your Houston property’s fire protection services and products. For example, when was the last time you checked your fire extinguisher? Do you have a plan for exiting your building in case of a fire? Discussing and planning fire preparedness is the first step toward protecting yourself, others, and your property from a fire. We’ll discuss the five best ways to protect yourself and your property from fire damage. Get Your Fire Sprinkler Syste ..read more

No commercial structure depicts wealth and affluence more than a luxury shopping mall. While builders place a strong emphasis on creating a lavish retail experience for customers to enjoy, they can’t forget about the importance of fire protection. The equipment used for detecting and extinguishing fires may go largely unseen, but it’s a vital part of maintaining shopping mall safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 13,600 fires break out in retail stores, shopping malls, and other mercantile properties each year, resulting in 12 civilian deaths, 300 c ..read more

Did you know that during the winter, the risk of indoor fires goes up substantially? Heating, a dry interior, slowed emergency response times, and even holiday decorations create an environment in which your building is at greater risk of fire than any other time of the year. As a business owner, facility manager, or property manager, it’s important to recognize the increased fire risk in winter and minimize it through careful planning and a few simple changes. Avoid Extension Cord Abuse Overloaded extension cords become more common in the winter, which increases the risk of ele ..read more

October is Fire Protection & Safety Month, and Kauffman Co. is excited to share our wealth of fire safety knowledge with building managers throughout the Houston region. With Fire Protection Week happening between October 9 to October 13, we’ve put together a list of five tips for celebrating fire safety this month at your Galveston-area commercial building. Find out how you can make fire protection and safety a top priority by reading the tips below! 5 Tips for Celebrating Fire Safety This October Schedule Fire Prevention System Maintenance What better month to start getting your fire pre ..read more

Maintaining fire alarm safety systems during building construction in Houston is critical to keeping workers and building occupants safe. There are specific processes that building managers must follow in order to ensure the highest degree of system safety and functionality while on a construction site. Building sites are prone to accidents and fire events, making it vitally important for fire alarms to be well-maintained, properly installed, or replaced with upgraded systems. Fire Alarm System Installation & Replacement Requirements During Houston Building Construction According to Housto ..read more

If you want to use a BBQ grill at an apartment in Houston, you might fret over whether you might get in trouble with the local fire department—or even the police—for doing so. Your instinct is right, as there are several laws and regulations governing the use of various types of grills under different circumstances. To help you figure out whether a grill will be permitted at your apartment, we’ll take a look at the relevant statutes and parts of the fire code which the Houston fire department has laid out for curious residents. First, the general rules for open flame cooking devices, i.e., any ..read more

Your building’s fire alarm is one of its most important components. Without it, you can place yourself and your building’s occupants at increased risk during a fire event. Part of ensuring the health of your fire alarm system is performing routine inspections. But what does a fire alarm inspection actually entail, and how frequently are they needed? Kauffman Co. covers all this information and more in the sections below! All You Need to Know About Fire Alarm Inspections Fire alarm inspections follow the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 72 National Fire Alarm Code, which covers the applic ..read more