Don’t Let Poor Installation Put Your Old Bethpage Property at Risk: Critical Fire Extinguisher Mistakes That Could Cost You Everything
When it comes to fire safety in Old Bethpage, NY, property owners often assume that simply purchasing a fire extinguisher is enough to protect their investment. However, one of the most common mistakes is improper installation of fire protection equipment. Whether it’s smoke detectors, sprinklers, or fire extinguishers, each component must be installed correctly to function as intended. Unfortunately, many Nassau County property owners make critical installation errors that could render their fire safety equipment useless when they need it most.
The Hidden Dangers of DIY Fire Extinguisher Installation
Many Old Bethpage property owners attempt to cut costs by installing fire extinguishers themselves, but this approach often backfires. There are three criteria that must be met to ensure an extinguisher is properly mounted, and professional installation ensures these requirements are met. While we have fire extinguisher service engineers near me available to install your fire extinguisher for you, there are a few factors we consider for a successful installation. Square meterage covered by the fire extinguisher must be adequate for the building. Location to mount the fire extinguisher and what kind of wall to use. Ensuring the screw we use to mount a fire extinguisher to the wall is up for the task.
One of the most dangerous mistakes is improper mounting height and accessibility. It is secure and will not become a projectile in a crash. It is easy to get to, ideally within reach of the driver, so you don’t have to spend time looking for it. It is easy to remove from the mount so no time is wasted trying to get it out. These same principles apply to residential and commercial properties in Old Bethpage.
Location, Location, Location: Common Placement Errors
From poor fire extinguisher placement to neglecting passive fire protection, these common mistakes can have severe consequences. Many property owners make the mistake of placing extinguishers in hard-to-reach locations or areas where they might be blocked by furniture or equipment. Another common mistake is blocking fire extinguishers and cabinets with furniture, equipment, or other items.
For proper fire extinguisher installation old bethpage properties require, professionals consider multiple factors including building layout, potential fire hazards, and accessibility during emergencies. Ensuring that the fire extinguisher is easily accessible in case of a fire. Make sure there are no wires or pipes.
The “Set It and Forget It” Mentality
Perhaps the most dangerous mistake Old Bethpage property owners make is the “set it and forget it” approach. One common mistake we see is that someone purchases an extinguisher, installs it, then never looks at it again. In this clip from ABC news one person had a 36-year-old extinguisher in his garage! Not surprisingly, of course, it no longer worked.
Some businesses assume that once fire extinguishers and cabinets are installed, no further action is needed, neglecting ongoing attention and updates. Adopt a proactive approach to fire safety. Continuously review and improve your fire safety practices, including the placement, maintenance, and training related to fire extinguishers and cabinets. Regularly update your emergency preparedness plan to reflect any changes in your business environment or operations.
Failing to Consider Local Fire Safety Requirements
Nassau County and Old Bethpage have specific fire safety requirements that property owners must follow. Fire safety codes often regulate the design and style of the fire safety equipment directly. These codes dictate everything from what kind of fire extinguishers are required, to the water pressure in a sprinkler system, to the location and accessibility of these devices. As a result, local laws and OSHA codes must guide the design and installation of fire safety equipment. Failure to do so could not only have a negative impact on the ability of the equipment to efficiently extinguish a fire, but also could result in a fine or citation from a governing body tasked with enforcing those codes.
Plainview Volunteer Fire Department has three stations staffed by volunteers who respond to 2,200 emergencies annually. It serves Plainview, Old Bethpage, and Woodbury, making proper fire safety equipment installation even more critical for local properties.
Inadequate Signage and Visibility Issues
Even properly installed fire extinguishers become useless if people can’t find them during an emergency. Lack of clear signage can make it difficult for employees and visitors to locate fire extinguishers and cabinets quickly in an emergency. Install prominent, easily visible signs that clearly indicate the location of fire extinguishers and cabinets. Use universally recognized symbols and colors to enhance visibility, even in low-light conditions.
Neglecting Professional Testing After Installation
Another common error that individuals can sometimes make is failing to test the equipment after the installation is completed. A test immediately the following installation is a prime indicator of whether the equipment has been installed correctly, and more importantly, can signal whether the equipment will perform to its highest potential in the event of a fire.
Why Professional Installation Matters
M&M Fire Extinguishers Sales & Services, Inc. has been serving Nassau County properties for over a decade, understanding the unique challenges Old Bethpage property owners face. Our friendly staff reflect years of experience in sales, product installation, maintenance and attention to customer needs in our every interaction every day. A portable fire extinguisher is your first line of defense against a fire – and perhaps the most important part of your fire safety program.
The team at M&M Fire Extinguishers knows that it must be difficult in figuring out where to install your new fire extinguishers and “Exit” signs. That is why we offer free on site estimates to determine what the best package is for you. One of our professional service engineers will take a walk through of your location, and determine what areas are most prone to a fire related emergency. They will then talk with you about a strategy of what fire extinguishers will best suit your needs.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Additionally, incorrectly installed fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers or fire extinguishers, may not function as expected during a crisis, making it harder to control the fire. In some cases, these systems might even cause inadvertent harm, such as water damage from a sprinkler system that activates inappropriately. Therefore, ensuring that all fire protection systems are correctly installed is a critical step in maintaining a safe workplace.
Don’t let installation mistakes put your Old Bethpage property at risk. However, if fire safety equipment is not properly installed, it might not have the same beneficial effects on fire when compared to another system that was installed correctly. For this reason, it is essential to make sure that your fire suppression systems installation is properly completed and working to their fullest potential.
Professional installation ensures compliance with local regulations, proper placement for maximum effectiveness, and peace of mind knowing your fire safety equipment will work when you need it most. Contact M&M Fire Extinguishers Sales & Services, Inc. today for a free consultation and protect your Old Bethpage property the right way.