Jon Aten

Fire Wise Festival Puts the Fun in Fire Safety

September 28, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

In addition to fire safety tips from experts, the family-friendly event will have food, giveaways and music.

As a community leader in fire prevention services, we’re proud to be a part of the 2nd Annual Fire Wise Festival in downtown Prescott. Local fire safety organizations and businesses are coming together in downtown Prescott to celebrate the National Fire Prevention Week in a street festival outside Founding Fathers Collective at 281 N. Granite Street. The one-day event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, will highlight local businesses that can help residents prepare for future fire risks and keep our communities safe from fire. Local fire agencies attending the event include Prescott Fire Department, Yavapai Firewise/PAWUIC, BLM Fire, Arizona Public Safety, LASER (Large Animal Shelters & Emergency Readiness) and All West Fire & Security, to name a few. Admission is free.

Our area is surrounded by national forests. We all need to be diligent and prepare for fires that can happen any time of the year, not just during fire season. Everyone who attends the Fire Wise Festival will come away with information that can help prevent fires and save lives.

“Last year was well attended and we really wanted to continue to support our local fire agencies, so we’re happy to bring this event back,” said Jesse Burke of Founding Fathers Collective. “It’ll be fun for the kids to enjoy a bouncy house and check out big red fire engines. Adults can enjoy our Fire Engine Brew.”

In addition to fire safety tips from experts, the family-friendly event will have food, giveaways and music.

The event is sponsored by Founding Fathers Collective, All West Fire & Security, Barrett Propane, Yavapai Fire Wise/PAWUIC, Signals AZ, 93.9FM the Mountain, Magic 99.1FM, Arizona Hope 103.9FM, Yavapai County Contractors Association, Quad Cities Business News and Trafficade Service Companies.

We hope to see you there! 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. 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.

What Building Owners in Yavapai County Need to Know About New Fire Compliance Requirements

September 2, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Your fire protection company can provide pricing to address identified deficiencies and provide a solution in a timely manner.

The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority and the City of Prescott Fire Department have implemented a new “Compliance Engine.” As part of the commitment to fire safety and compliance with local regulations, fire safety companies like All West Fire & Security are obligated by law to submit an inspection report for any facility to this new designated compliance engine. This new process requires all compliant and non-compliant fire protection systems’ test reports to be submitted electronically to the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority and City of Prescott Fire Department via The Compliance Engine’s online system at www.thecomplianceengine.com.

The purpose of the compliance engine is to serve as a platform that facilitates the inspection process and ensures adherence to fire codes, regulations and safety standards. A trusted fire protection service provider can handle all the necessary steps to ensure that your fire protection system is complying.

Upon completion of the inspection, a technician will review any deficiencies identified during the inspection. You will also receive a copy of the inspection report and be notified of any changes you’re required to make. It is encouraged that you to review the inspection report carefully and take appropriate action to rectify the identified deficiencies within the specified timeframe. Your consent is vital to ensure transparency and provide you with the opportunity to assess the situation and make informed decisions. Your fire protection company can provide pricing to address identified deficiencies and provide a solution in a timely manner.

As a building owner, your main objective should be to work together with all fire departments to maintain a safe and compliant environment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this new inspection process, the compliance engine or the inspection report addressing deficiencies, please do not hesitate to reach out to your fire protection company or us. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary guidance. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Valuing Customer Service in the Fire Protection and Security Business

July 30, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

We hope this type of “old-fashioned” service never ends, no matter how efficient our lives become.

With all the talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of business, customer service has become increasingly important in this current era of technology and automation. As more companies move toward using AI to provide customer service, it is critical that a human element remain present as well. In-person customer service provides advantages that are invaluable for businesses and customers alike.

When it comes to fire protection and security companies, having a personal contact is more important than perhaps in any other industry. Direct customer service reinforces an aspect of trust between the security business and consumers; it shows that the company is invested in listening to their customers’ feedback and responding appropriately. It also provides additional emotional trust. If you use AI or any automated security service, do you really know how your system is being monitored in your home or business? Who is really there to protect you and your assets in a time of need?

While technology has made customer service more accessible and efficient, it is important for businesses to maintain a personal connection to customer service in order to build relationships and ensure customer satisfaction. Ultimately, in-person customer service helps foster strong relationships between businesses and their customers. By providing a contact point for customers to get help and leave feedback, businesses are able to ensure that customer needs are met while strengthening their overall reputation in the market. It is essential for companies to invest in personal customer service if they want to maintain strong relationships with their customers and remain competitive in today’s digital world.

In business, just having a person to answer the phone can be reassuring. Customers don’t have to go through a series of automated questions and wait in seemingly endless queues. Instead, customers are immediately connected with a friendly staff member who can answer their question or direct them to the appropriate department. We hope this type of “old-fashioned” service never ends, no matter how efficient our lives become. QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Protecting Yourself and Your Property During Wildfire Season

June 30, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

Protecting yourself from an out-of-control wildfire is essential to preventing further damage to your home or business.

We all know that fire season here in Northern Arizona is inevitable every year. With dry conditions and overgrowth of our forest lands, the chances of a non-prescribed burn fire will occur. On average, Arizona can see 2,500 plus fires during the dry summer months. As you know, during fire season, it is important to protect your property from the risk of an out-of-control wildfire.

In addition to fire sprinklers, which most commercial buildings and homes over 5,000 square feet in Yavapai County must have, it is important to have portable fire extinguishers in any building as well. They should be inspected annually and maintained to keep them in top working condition.

A fire and intrusion alarm system can also help, especially if you are away from your building or residence. This type of system is a set of devices that can detect the presence of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide and other fire emergencies. They truly offer extra security.

Finally, it is important to keep your property clear from debris during fire season. This includes making sure any surrounding vegetation is kept trimmed so that it does not catch fire easily. Additionally, any combustible materials like gasoline and oil should be stored away from the property.

By following these tips, you can protect your property during fire season and stay safe. Protecting yourself from an out-of-control wildfire is essential to preventing further damage to your home or business. Take the necessary steps to protect your property today! QCBN

By Jon and Jamie Aten

Surveillance Systems, Cloud Storage Provide Extra Security

May 26, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

With Cloud storage, you can rest assured knowing your business is in safe and secure.

This month, we look at the importance of having the proper backup or cloud storage for your security surveillance system. If you have a surveillance system, you know how important access to recordings can be. Whether you need to check on a delivery or what an employee is working on, you need to be able to review any recordings. What if the recordings are needed for a police investigation or even a lawsuit? Do you know how long they are stored?

Cloud storage is an essential feature of any surveillance system, providing businesses with a reliable and secure way to store their videos. Your system should not only provide you access to recorded videos but also offer adequate storage for safety recall. You should also be aware of how long the recordings are stored. Most systems have limited onsite storage, but you can pay to have them stored for longer periods of time in the Cloud. This makes it easier for business owners to keep track of the events that have taken place in their facility for recall purposes and make sure that any suspicious activities are addressed promptly.

With a proper surveillance system, the cloud storage feature will allow businesses to enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing that their videos are safely stored off-site and easily accessible with remote access. This allows business owners to review video footage from anywhere, even on a cell phone, and also share a link with others. With more control over your security systems, your business can take proactive steps to ensure the safety and security of your premise.

For our clients, we have Cloud storage contract with a company that has several servers off-site in a secured location, ensuring that businesses have reliable access to their surveillance videos and the peace of mind that comes with it. By leveraging this feature, businesses can be confident that they are taking all the necessary steps to protect their premises from any potential threats. So, the biggest part of a surveillance system isn’t just the recording of activities, but making sure you have access to them. With Cloud storage, you can rest assured knowing your business is in safe and secure. 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.

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

April 27, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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

March 30, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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

Is a Residential Sprinkler System Required in Your Home?

January 26, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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

Have You Heard of a Cellular Alarm System?

December 27, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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

November 28, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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 Aten

Footer

Get QCBN Email