CertaSite - Experts & Thought Leaders

Back-to-school season is here for many families and students, and with it many different preparations. One area of preparation that shouldn’t be overlooked by school administrators is fire and life safety. There are special considerations when it comes to schools and fire safety because it’s not a typical workplace environment. The population in schools is primarily children – and children may need extra help in an emergency. life safety measures Nearly two out of every school building fire is set intentionally, according to the NFPA Additionally, unlike in other industries, nearly two out of every school building fire is set intentionally, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Combine these two factors with the seasonality of school, the large numbers of people in typically a single building, and all that’s involved in any fire and life safety measures, and there’s quite a bit to consider. In this blog, CertaSite is exploring some of the top areas to consider regarding fire and life safety in schools, as people embark on another school year. Evaluate the Security Systems From 2014 to 2018, there were an average of 3230 school structure fires each year, according to the NFPA. Fires that were set intentionally were the pioneering cause. With these statistics in mind, security measures are essential when it comes to preventing intentionally set fires. Most fires started in school bathrooms or locker rooms – places without cameras. Outside of the school, make sure they have exterior lighting with timers and motion-sensitive settings, along with alarms on doors windows, and other possible entry points to the school. Large dumpsters should also be kept away from the school building, to help reduce the chance for fires in those to spread. Required Maintenance and Inspections The schedule of care will vary based on the particular fire and life safety system, or even the piece of equipment When it comes to fire and life safety, one of the best things they can do is stay up to date on the maintenance and inspections. This includes checking on alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency signage, and other safety equipment. The schedule of maintenance will vary based on the particular fire and life safety system, or even the piece of equipment. Some elements, such as fire extinguishers, require checking monthly, while others may require only an annual inspection. Summer can be a convenient time to knock out the bigger maintenance items since students are out for the season. However, it’s also very possible to do maintenance during the school year with minimal interruption to students. When selecting a fire and life safety company, make sure they can handle the schedules, so that they’re always kept in compliance and as protected as possible. Stay up on the Landscaping and Check the Exits Another important area to consider when it comes to school fire safety is the landscaping and the emergency exits. Not only can trees and bushes overgrow and become a fire hazard themselves, but they can also block off exits that they’ll need in an emergency. Throughout the school season, make sure that any bushes, trees, landscaping waste, or other potentially flammable materials are planted well away from school buildings, or trimmed back appropriately so as not to be a fire risk.  This is a great time to also check that all windows and doors are accessible and functional, so that they know they’ll all work during an emergency. Check for debris blocking any of the exits, and make sure all windows and doors open correctly. Review and Practice all Emergency Plans Practicing drills is especially vital so that everyone knows what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out Of course, all the equipment in the world won’t be effective without proper planning and practicing of emergency evacuations. In a place like a school, where new students are joining each year, practicing drills is especially essential so that everyone knows what to do and where to go if a fire breaks out. In Indiana, fire drills are required monthly, along with a severe weather drill each semester and a man-made occurrence drill once a semester. Some will be planned, and some will be unplanned, so that people are prepared even when it’s unexpected. School fire safety Drills are important so that teachers, students, and staff members all know exactly what to do in an emergency. Everyone in a school building should know where to go no matter where they are in the building, and drills should be frequent enough that it’s not something that requires much thought because everyone knows what to do. School fire safety can be overwhelming, but it’s of critical importance. When they work with a company like CertaSite, they do all the work for them so that they can go back to focusing on the staff and students.

When it comes to fire protection and life safety, few tools are more essential than the portable fire extinguisher. These are so commonplace users might not even notice them in their business, when out shopping, or even at their own home. However, this wasn’t always the case – and extinguishers as they know them today are actually a fairly modern invention. The first fire extinguisher was patented in England in 1723 by a chemist named Ambrose Godfrey. This rudimentary extinguisher had a cask of liquid to extinguish the fire, and a chamber of gunpowder that was connected to a series of fuses that when ignited, exploded the gunpowder and scattered the liquid. Sodium bicarbonate solution In 1818, also in England, a new version of the fire extinguisher was invited by Captain George William Manby. This type had a copper container filled with three gallons of potassium carbonate solution, contained inside compressed air. In 1818, also in England, a new version of the fire extinguisher was invited by Captain George William Manby One of the first extinguisher in the U.S. was invented in 1881 by Almon M. Granger, and it used the reaction between sodium bicarbonate solution and sulphuric acid to squirt pressurized water to extinguish a fire. The pressurized water was released in one of two ways – one with a plunger to break the vial of acid, and one with a stopper that kept the vial closed until users needed it. Once the acid and solution mixed, carbon dioxide came out, pressurizing the water and forcing it out through a hose. First portable extinguisher The first portable extinguisher to use carbon tetrachloride was patented in 1911, with a patent filed by the Pyrene Manufacturing Company of Delaware. This chemical blanketed flames, reducing the oxygen available to the fire and putting it out. This type of extinguisher was also unpressurized, meaning it could be refilled after use with fresh chemical. The first carbon dioxide extinguisher in the U.S. was invented by the Walter Kidde Company in 1924. Chemical blanketed flames However, the modern-looking extinguisher they think of today first started to emerge in 1928 However, the modern-looking extinguisher they think of today first started to emerge in 1928, by DuGas Fire Extinguisher Company, and it used sodium bicarbonate that’s been treated with chemicals to make it free-flowing and resistant to moisture. It consisted of a copper cylinder with an internal carbon dioxide cartridge. To use it, users turn a wheel valve on top, puncturing the cartridge, and squeeze a lever to discharge the chemical and extinguish a fire. In the 1950s and 60s, dry chemical agents came into play, including potassium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, and urea potassium. These chemicals are nonpoisonous, but they can be an irritant if inhaled. Many types of fire extinguishers Later, in the 1970s, Halon 1211 came to the United States from Europe, where it had been used for several decades already. All Halon agents work by slowing the chain reactions of a fire – but their use has become more and more limited due to the environmental impact of these agents. Today – there are many types of fire extinguishers, utilizing all sorts of chemicals or combinations. The most commonly used type of extinguishing agent is monoammonium phosphate, rather than water or carbon dioxide, although carbon dioxide does remain a popular choice. There are also many different types beyond these categories, depending on the type of fire they need to potentially fight.

CertaSite announced that Advanced Fire Company, Approved Fire Protection and Advanced Fire & Security have merged to form Advanced Fire, a CertaSite Company. CertaSite is a new commercial fire protection and life safety company that provides high levels of customer service, responsiveness, building safety and code compliance to customers across the country. The company goes beyond compliance, focusing on partnerships and professionalism while providing customers a simplified and dependable solution to managing all of the fire protection and life safety systems in commercial buildings. CertaSite in the fire protection industry CertaSite is led by CEO Jeff Wyatt, who has more than 30 years of experience in the fire protection and life safety industry. He most recently served as president of Koorsen Fire & Security, one of the privately-owned life safety companies in the industry. He started his career in the profession as an installation technician and is a veteran of the United States Navy. Wyatt was recruited to lead CertaSite by The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm that is CertaSite's primary investor. A three-generation family business that started with door-to-door fire extinguisher sales in 1957, the Advanced family of businesses has grown to three separate companies with a legacy of comprehensive offerings, strong customer service and a sustainable model for growth. Its solid reputation in the tri-state area, along with its community-driven approach, will allow the company to grow its customer base and expand into new markets under the CertaSite platform. Expansion under the Advanced brand One hundred five employees are joining the CertaSite family under the Advanced brand One hundred five employees are joining the CertaSite family under the Advanced brand, serving a network of more than 5,000 customers representing schools, government agencies and businesses of all sizes. Combining forces with Advanced marks CertaSite's a large expansion since it launched in 2018. "CertaSite and Riverside are the perfect partners to build on the foundation laid by our employees and customers," said Advanced owner Ronald Cruder. "As I set my sights on what is next for our company and how we could enrich our customers' experience, shared values and a code of ethics for saving lives and securing property were key considerations in this important decision. From the beginning, our company has had a laser focus on the customer, and this partnership with CertaSite will enable us to strengthen our investments in the community and the customer experience. We are excited to expand these capabilities, and establish an even deeper presence in our community." Advanced Fire operations The merger with Advanced Fire, a CertaSite company, continues CertaSite's expansion in western Pennsylvania The merger with Advanced Fire, a CertaSite company, continues CertaSite's expansion in western Pennsylvania. County Fire Protection joined the CertaSite family in 2018, and serves customers in Kent, Columbus, Toledo and Rimersburg, Pennsylvania. Bill Holmes, director of operations, will oversee the Advanced Fire operations. "We are grateful to Ronald Cruder and the Advanced family for their continued partnership throughout this process," said Jeff Wyatt, CEO of CertaSite. "We are committed to preserving the legacy that these dedicated professionals built, and we recognize and respect their strong local presence. Our team will provide our new employees with development and career advancement, and expanded services and support to customers. We are thrilled to be expanding our unique brand of customer service in this market." Acquisition of companies CertaSite already has acquired eight fire protection and life safety companies and is actively engaged in bringing new businesses under the CertaSite umbrella. To date, the CertaSite family includes: ABC Fire Extinguisher Co. (Youngstown, Ohio); Approved Protection Systems (Michigan); Approved Safety and Security (South Bend, Indiana); Company One Suppression (Illinois and Iowa); County Fire Protection (Ohio); Erlich Fire Protection (Michigan); Field's Fire Protection (Michigan); and Spears Fire & Safety (Michigan). Markets of focus for 2020 include Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.