Summit Companies is proud to support the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting burn survivors and their loved ones by profoundly advancing lifelong healing, optimal recovery, and burn prevention through a united community on a global scale. To empower the burn community, the Phoenix Society provides a wide range of programs and resources. Some of the services they offer include: Connecting survivors and their loved ones with others who have experienced similar trauma. An online community consisting of a virtual support group, live and weekly peer chats, and a ..read more

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your fire suppression system, but did you know that they can also impact the working condition of your fire extinguisher and potentially render it unusable?  The good news is not all fire extinguishers are created equal, and there are steps you can take to protect your fire safety equipment.  Some, but not all, fire extinguishers are impacted by ambient temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Most fire extinguishers will not be affected. Water, water mist, film-forming (AFFF and FFFP), and Class K extinguishers are not suitable for ..read more

As a restaurant owner, it’s imperative to take fire safety seriously. This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is cooking safety — and it’s no wonder, according to the most recent report by the NFPA, over 7,000 structure fires in eating and drinking establishments were reported each year during the study resulting in death, injury and millions of dollars in property damage. In this blog, we will focus on a common cause of these fires: grease or cooking fires. GREASE OR COOKING FIRES Grease or cooking fires are a prevalent hazard that occurs when cooking oil reaches excessive temperatures, ty ..read more

A fire sprinkler system is one of the most common and important fire protection systems used in a commercial setting. However, while they will protect your building from fire, they can cause a lot of collateral damage. Sprinklers can permanently damage equipment, walls, flooring, and a whole host of other things in your building. If you were trying to protect a mission-critical area from fire like a data center or IT room, or areas with sensitive materials that could be damaged by water, are those areas really protected with a sprinkler system? The good news is that there is an alternative for ..read more

Imagine you are in a building and the lights go out due to a power outage. This can immediately create a sense of unease and lack of security, which can result in panic. Thankfully for most facilities, you can rely on emergency lights and exit signs (if properly maintained) to lead you to safety. In the event of a fire, it is normal for people to become scared. In addition, darkness can cause a feeling of disorientation and a sense of panic that can lead to injury and/or death. Therefore, facilities should have their emergency and exit lighting components fully functional. The basic rule of em ..read more

Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. Summit Fire Protection is proud to provide support to allow the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to continue to help our nation’s heroes, like the family of Cascade Coun ..read more

The more you know about fire and life safety, fire extinguishers and their maintenance, the better prepared you will be to protect yourself from a fire. Fire extinguishers are most often the first line of defense for fire protection and can quickly and effectively put out a small fire. In this article, we will look at 5 facts about fire extinguishers that will be useful to you. Fact 1: How to use a fire extinguisher The most frequently asked question is how to use a fire extinguisher. It can be intimidating, but it is critical to be prepared if a small, contained fire breaks out. Remember the ..read more

Don’t wait until the temperature drops below freezing before you start thinking about how to protect your sprinkler system. As temperatures do drop, your fire sprinkler system may become inoperable if the pipes that deliver the water to the detected fire freeze. When water freezes, it expands by up to 9% of its original size. Furthermore, even if there is no fire in your building, a frozen pipe may burst and cause water damage. Properly winterizing your fire sprinkler system can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. While inspecting and testing your fire protection system is always importa ..read more

Backflow stoppers aren’t often discussed if they’re doing their job. If the devices fail or break, then the real issue occurs. As a preventative device, they’re crucial for residential and commercial properties. They’re a common topic for new construction and upgrades to existing buildings as they ensure compliance. It’s important to keep up on routine inspection and maintenance, but what are they? What do I need to know about backflow and preventer devices? Here are some faqs on backflow prevention. Backflow: What is it? How does it occur? Backflow occurs when water moves in th ..read more

The holidays create a cozy atmosphere for loved ones to gather and celebrate. It’s a lot of work to get your home ready for guests. Holiday fire protection and security is important to consider for a stress-free holiday season. Make sure to check your smoke detectors and get your fire alarms inspected. Include these holiday safety tips in your seasonal planning to keep your home and loved ones safe. Fa La La Lights Many love seeing all the Christmas lights inside and out. Lighting creates a spirited ambiance. Before you string the lights, make sure that you follow these holiday light safety ti ..read more