Spring has Sprung (Almost!)

While it looks like we may get hit with a 4th (yes, 4th) nor'easter next week, it is important to be cognizant of a few things when it comes to your fire sprinkler system before, during and after the storm comes.

• Temperature - make sure areas where water filled sprinkler and standpipe piping exist stay above 40 degrees. This isn't any different than the checks you've been conducting all winter - let's keep it going for the next week or two until Spring decides to stay for good
• Clearance in front of Fire Department Connections - it is your responsibility to maintain a clear area around your facility's fire department connection at all times. Make sure snow, snow removal equipment or any other items that may obstruct Fire Department access are removed from the area in front and around your FDC. 3' on each side of the connection and 6' above it are good guidelines for clear area. Remember, the faster the Fire Department can locate and connect to your facility's FDC, the faster a fire condition can be controlled.
• Power loss - if you experience a loss in power before, during of after next week's storm and have a dry sprinkler system, please notify us. The last thing we want to see happen is your system filling with water and freezing because your air compressor is no longer running.

If you have any questions about how you can further ready your fire sprinkler system in the event of a weather emergency, please call our office and one of our qualified staff can assist you. Stay safe and looking forward to warmer weather coming soon!

On behalf of Modern Sprinkler, I would like to wish all of you a happy and prosperous New Year. 2017 saw some major changes for Modern, the largest of which was our move to brand new software in order to serve you better. We hope that you were pleased with our service throughout 2017 and thank you for placing your trust in Modern.

With the New Year comes well below freezing temperatures outside, and this becomes a very hazardous time for all types of sprinkler systems. In order to ensure continued operation of your sprinkler system, your vigilance in following some simple steps means a world of difference:

• Have a building employee walk through and visually inspect the sprinkler system every day. Things to look out for are cracked piping, broken/fused heads, and ice buildup. Leaking piping is a surefire indicator that damage has occurred. However, if the piping is still frozen, potential damage may appear after the cold weather has subsided.
• Make sure that all areas containing wet sprinkler piping are properly heated. A temperature of 40F should be maintained at all times in areas where water filled sprinkler piping is present. Something so small as a space heater can make a huge difference in keeping your sprinkler system operational.

 However, should your system freeze, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are available 24/7 to do what’s necessary to keep your system in service and you safe.

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year,

Jordan Pasternak