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Why it is Important to Include Security, Fire Specialists in Building Plans

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All West Fire & Security also specializes in installing fire sprinklers and alarms.

When it comes to building a new home or commercial business, working with All West Fire & Security is essential. They are dedicated to helping you create the most secure and efficient systems that meet all government regulations while still meeting your desired aesthetic. All West Fire & Security specializes in installing fire protection systems, alarms and security surveillance systems—all designed to keep you and your property safe. It is important to connect All West Fire & Security with the architect you are working with, as they have extensive knowledge of fire protection systems and can help ensure that your new build meets all necessary safety regulations. If you don’t plan ahead for your required fire and safety installation, it can cost money and time.

All West Fire & Security also specializes in installing fire sprinklers and alarms. Fire sprinklers are designed to help mitigate damage by containing and controlling the spread of fires. Fire alarms are also key in providing an early warning system if a fire occurs, allowing occupants to safely evacuate and minimize property loss. All West Fire & Security can provide the necessary products, installation and maintenance required for both systems. For instance, many people don’t know that a residential home requires a fire sprinkler system if it is 5,000 square feet under roof, including livable, garage and entry overhang. Your architect should know this, but you should also be aware.

By working with All West Fire & Security, you can rest assured that the new construction of your home or business is receiving the highest quality fire protection and security services, ensuring that you and your family are safe. With their expertise in fire safety systems and regulations, All West Fire & Security will provide you with the peace of mind required when building a new home or commercial business.

When it comes to your safety, and that of your property, remember to plan ahead for what your new build might require. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential, and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.

Having and Knowing How to Use the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home, Business

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Red fire extinguisher on a white wall

The most common question we get is, “How do you properly use a fire extinguisher?”

A fire extinguisher is an important tool in any household and required in any business, as it can quickly put out a small-sized flame before it has the chance to grow and cause serious damage.

Fire extinguishers are classified by letters that represent the types of fire they’re designed to fight. The most common type of extinguisher is the Class ABC, and there are specialty extinguishers like Class D and Class K. It is important to determine the size – yes, they come in different sizes, too – and how many extinguishers your home or office may need.

Some businesses, like a restaurant, may be classified higher than others, depending on the risk of fire and the materials present, and will need more than one and most likely a specialty extinguisher. We always recommend working with a professional to determine what size and how many are best for the safety of employees and customers.

The most common question we get is, “How do you properly use a fire extinguisher?” We recommend trying to remember following the acronym “PASS” and following these steps:

  • Pull the pin – Pulling the safety pin on top of the fire extinguisher releases the locking mechanism and allows you to discharge it.
  • Aim – Point the Fire Extinguisher at the base of the flame, not at the top of the flames, as this will allow you to use it effectively.
  • Squeeze – Squeeze the handle or lever slowly and evenly to discharge the fire extinguisher.
  • Sweep – Move the Fire Extinguisher in a sweeping motion to ensure that the entire flame is extinguished.

Having your fire extinguisher checked annually by a professional is also important, as this will help you make sure it’s up to date and ready for use in an emergency. Many are rechargeable, but only a certified professional can properly service one. Most extinguishers last from six to 12 years, and if you’re like many folks, you probably have an old one lying around. It’s important to remember they are filled with hazardous material, so make sure you dispose of them properly.

If you have a business and would like to train your employees on how to properly use a fire extinguisher, we can come to your business and offer a demonstration. For just under an hour of your time, you can get a peace of mind that you and your employees are prepared and knowledgeable about how to properly operate a fire extinguisher. Fire safety is key in preventing serious damages and potential injury; by following these tips and having the necessary equipment on hand, you can stay prepared for any emergency. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security systems and smart home automation.

Do You Know Who Provides Your Security Service?

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We promise this will be extra security for you and offer peace of mind, which is why we are in the business ourselves.

Security systems are a great way to protect your property from intruders. They can be set up with motion sensors that detect any movement within the building or outside its perimeter. When an intruder is detected, they will trigger an alarm, which will alert those nearby of potential danger. But have you ever asked yourself, who is monitoring my security or fire alarm system? Many companies have the actual monitoring provided out of the United States. It can be unsettling for some homeowners and businesses, but the main reason is lack of workforce and cost. Some say it’s a way of doing business today, but we feel it’s better to have a monitoring company close to home.

More importantly, who is setting up your system or providing your service? Not only should they be professional with a crew who has knowledge and experience, but also the company should be a licensed contractor. It ensures that those who are employed as contractors have met the necessary qualifications and have been approved by relevant authorities to perform work on behalf of their clients. A license also provides assurance to potential customers that they can trust their contractor, knowing that they are qualified, experienced and knowledgeable about their field of expertise. It also helps protect customers from any liability issues or legal repercussions should something go wrong with the project or service. And with changing technology, a licensed contractor must stay up to date with industry trends and best practices. And finally, it also helps ensure that they have proper insurance and liability coverage in place to protect themselves and their clients.

So, if you currently have a security system or fire alarm system or are in the market for one, you should consider who you are working with, not just what you are receiving for your purchase. Make sure to ask where the monitoring is being done and if the company is currently a licensed contractor. We promise this will be extra security for you and offer peace of mind, which is why we are in the business ourselves. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.

Is a Residential Sprinkler System Required in Your Home?

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If you happen to be buying a home with a sprinkler system, we want to ease your mind if you have any concerns.

Did you know that in most parts of the country, installation of a fire sprinkler system is required in new homes? Local government codes vary, but you may not be used to seeing them in homes in our area. For instance, a sprinkler system is required in a Prescott home that is 5,000 square feet or greater. They are also mandatory, regardless of square footage, in those subdivisions that do not have fire hydrants or if a property has a steep driveway or could be difficult to reach with a fire engine.

Most systems are installed to cover a 16-foot by 16-foot area, so a standard-size bedroom may have up to two sprinkler heads. Each head is heat-activated, so smoke from a fireplace, a candle or burning your favorite fish dish won’t set the system off. It’s only the heat from the proper temperature that will trigger the water from the system. Fire sprinkler heads have a glass bulb with fluid inside. When the fire reaches 165 degrees, the fluid expands and breaks the glass bulb, letting the water run through the fire sprinkler and extinguish the fire.

If you happen to be buying a home with a sprinkler system, we want to ease your mind if you have any concerns. First, these systems are very sophisticated. Unlike what you see in the movies, the sprinklers do not all activate at the same time. Most systems are not interconnected, so when one goes off, the whole house won’t go off. This, of course, saves you from more clean-up and water damage. Second, they are designed to save your home and lives, and like we said, more and more homes are installing them at the start of construction. Also, they can help with homeowners’ insurance rates.

Please keep in mind that they will need to be inspected before you close on your new home. Many other items in a closing inspection come to mind, but a sprinkler system doesn’t. We’re often called out at the last minute on many inspections, to help make the closing date. Also, just like the required maintenance on your heating and air conditioning units, you should have your sprinkler system inspected annually. We do this not by letting off water in your home, but by doing a controlled water flow test. It is also important to inspect your sprinkler heads monthly to make sure nothing is blocking the sprinklers or interfering with the heads. If you have a water tank that delivers water to the system, make sure it’s also checked monthly.

If you have any questions about your residential sprinkler system, or if you are thinking you’d like one installed, please contact us and let us help with any questions you may have. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications, and more.

Have You Heard of a Cellular Alarm System?

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The benefit of both systems is no wiring. It’s very difficult for these systems to be tampered with by burglars and are even harder to hack.

If 2023 is the year for you to have a new security system installed, then you might want to know about the latest technology that is on the market. You probably are aware that you no longer need technicians to drill holes in your walls, string extensive wires throughout your property to a huge control panel in a closet. Today’s systems require no wires and are called just that, wireless. Most wireless systems are cellular and Wi-Fi capable. You might wonder, what is the difference?

A wireless security system is one that, again, requires no wiring for the sensors to communicate with an internal control panel. They are connected wirelessly to each unit inside your home. The unit is then capable of communicating with a central station and your smart app via Wi-Fi in your home or a cellular tower in your area alerting you of any intrusions. Older systems utilized POTS lines, or Plain Old Telephone Service lines, which are unreliable in most circumstances.

Cellular and Wi-Fi alarm systems use cellular technology (just like your smartphone) to connect your security system or the Wi-Fi in your home. It’s more secure and reliable since it can use either form of communication to relay signals if one or the other goes down. So no phone line is needed for this type of alarm to connect to a monitoring station as well. These systems are also compatible with your smart home devices. You can lock your doors and turn on lights when you’re away, so people think you are at home. Another benefit to this system is if your internet is intermittent or you have a poor signal, this system is more reliable, as it can relay signals through the cellular network.

The benefit of both systems is no wiring. It’s very difficult for these systems to be tampered with by burglars and are even harder to hack. If you want to learn more about either system, please feel free to contact us. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, which has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.

Protecting Your Family During the Holidays

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A dry Christmas tree can also be engulfed in flames in less than 10 seconds.

We really aren’t Grinches, and we know the holidays should be all about happy and cheerful subjects, but we only wish to inform you about some of the dangers that can occur during this time of year.

Did you know that U.S. firefighters respond to about 200 live Christmas tree fires per year? The good news is it’s trending down thanks to all the new realistic artificial trees folks are buying. Today, many artificial trees are also flame resistant. We just think it’s amazing that it wasn’t too long ago, and still occurs in some European countries, that live lighted candles were used to decorate a Christmas tree! But if you’re a fan of the real thing, and we love that fresh tree smell too, there are some things you can do to avert a potential fire.

About 25% of Christmas tree fires are the result of an electrical problem or heat source that is too close to the tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association. A dry Christmas tree can also be engulfed in flames in less than 10 seconds. Here are some other tips to know to keep you and your home safe:

  • Review your lights and make sure they haven’t been damaged over the year from rodents. Throw away any that have cords that are cracked.
  • Replace any bulbs that are broken or are out.
  • Do not tuck extension cords under the tree skirt or other area rugs.
  • Choose the freshest tree you can and water it daily.
  • Unplug the lights when you go to bed.

We also encourage you to check your fire extinguisher and have it nearby. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, get one. Better yet, get an extra one to give as a gift! They can be recharged by a certified fire equipment dealer, like us. You should have one in the main rooms of your home – kitchen, living room and bedrooms, too.

So, remember to think about safety this holiday season. Protect yourself and your family and have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy 2023. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.

Smile, You’re on Camera

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The end goal is to protect your property and yourself.

In today’s society, you are captured on camera about 238 times a week, according to studyfinds.com. Whether it’s passing by your neighbor’s surveillance camera or popping into a convenience store, your image is being filmed. It’s easy to forget the fact we’re on camera much of the time as we move on with our day.

But, do all of these cameras really deter crime? According to techradar.com, which interviewed a past felon, yes, burglars don’t like getting caught and will skip over a home or business with visible cameras outside. Security cameras today offer a higher developed technology and capture cleaner and clearer images. Large amounts of footage can also easily be stored in a smartphone or tablet with a monitoring service or subscription. Some cameras are also motion activated, so you don’t need them running all the time. However, a camera should not be your only line of defense. Lighting and a monitored alarm system can add the best protection.

For more sophisticated surveillance cameras, like for a large warehouse, high-grade equipment works better. These systems can even integrate with control access systems so when someone enters your facility with their badge credentials, your camera system will record the entrance. No more clocking in late!

But one of the first decisions you need to consider when looking at adding surveillance system is where you are going to put it. Again, having in full view can often deter any thieves, but it also important to consider whether a wireless or wired system is best for your needs. Most high-definition surveillance video that needs to record over long periods of time needs a higher bandwidth. This may also require it to be wired versus wireless.

If you need to do surveillance inside your home or office, there are also hidden camera options that are more discreet and fit into everyday objects such as clocks, smoke detectors and more. These hidden cameras can be connected to a CCTV camera system that also records.

The end goal is to protect your property and yourself. Whether it’s a simple wireless or an elaborate wired system, the choices are many for capturing and recording what is most important to you.

Remember to smile throughout your day! QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security. All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business, has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. They’ve designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure your new construction or remodeling project meets all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.

Exploring the Benefits of Smart Security Systems

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The best thing you can do for your safety and peace of mind is to have a system that works for you and your lifestyle.

As old, hardwired security systems become extinct and new wireless systems become all the rage, choosing what is the best protection for your home or business can be quite the task. New systems are connected through a Wi-Fi network or cellular network, allowing you access anytime and anywhere on your smartphone. These new smart security systems are highly customizable with cameras, door sensors, smoke detectors, water detection, motion detectors, and a wide range of devices that can be installed just about anywhere. A professional security company can tailor a system to fit your needs.

Though many of the smaller over-the-counter systems can work well for some homes, the latest security systems also can be monitored professionally, which allows 24/7 security and connection to your local fire and police departments when an alarm is triggered. This releases you from playing security guard on your own property and gives you more peace of mind. Any professional smart security system offers components that work together in a seamless environment and can be manipulated using customized programming. For example, you can create rules to have the lights turn on when motion is detected, have your doors unlock when the smoke alarm goes off and have cameras begin recording when a sensor is triggered.

Recording video can be a must-have feature and many new systems offer this option. However, many of the DIY components do not store video, so recording over recorded videos is an issue. Cloud storage can be utilized to keep videos safe and has become a cost-effective option depending on the time length of video being stored. More sophisticated professional systems offer both cloud storage and local storage, and some provide a dedicated storage drive that gives you DVR capabilities with a time-lapse recording, which makes it easy to find a video event that took place at a specific time. A professional security company can advise you on the most economical options for your home or business to make sure your assets are being protected, giving you peace of mind.

Need help deciding what is best for your home or business? Call a professional security company and have them explain the pros and cons to you. The best thing you can do for your safety and peace of mind is to have a system that works for you and your lifestyle. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Jon and Jamie Aten are the owners of All West Fire & Security, a family-owned business that has been keeping Arizonans safe in Prescott for nearly 30 years. All West Fire & Security has designed and installed thousands of fire protection and security systems for industrial, commercial, residential and special hazard clients. The company works closely with architects and contractors to ensure new construction or remodeling project meet all safety code requirements. All West Fire & Security are experts in smart home automation, state-of-the-art fire suppression systems, inspections, sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, monitoring, intrusion alarms, security cameras, badge access systems, backflow certifications and more.