· Interactive & Hands-on training covering design, installation and maintenance
· Complete Buckeye Kitchen Mister manual with all addendums
· Written Test upon day’s completion
· Certification as a Buckeye Satellite Distributor of AFP

Contact Bill McCullough at 973-684-4500 Ext. 136 or email Bill at wmccullough@associatedfire.com to register. Seats are filling up fast!

AFP stocks the complete line of Kitchen Mister systems and replacement parts. Buckeye’s Kitchen Mister System is quickly becoming the preferred choice of restaurant fire suppression systems, because of its simple design.

Here are some of the key attributes of Buckeye’s Kitchen Mister System:

NO CONDUIT REQUIRED
NO CONDUIT & ONLY ONE ANCHOR BRACKET IN HOOD
NO CORNER PULLEYS REQUIRED
COLOR CODES NOZZLES

LISTING AND APPROVALS
1. Listed to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard UL-300
2. Listed to Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, Inc.
3. Approved by the New York City Fire Department COA #5550
4. Complies with NFPA-96 and NFPA-17A Standards
5. CE Compliant

Did you know that kitchen fires are the leading cause of structural fire damage in the United States? Commercial kitchens are required to be protected with fire suppression systems. This is due to the ever-present danger of open flames, grease and hot surfaces.

Buckeye has developed the Kitchen Mister System using state of the art misting
technology to prevent grease fires from occurring. The design of Kitchen Mister is so
simple that it eliminates complicated design requirements and costly installation errors.
The simplicity of installation reduces your installation time! Kitchen Mister also has
the best coverage in the industry due to its design.

Here are some of the key attributes of Buckeye’s Kitchen Mister System:

NO CONDUIT REQUIRED – By using Buckeye Shielded Cable no conduit is required
for system inputs/outputs.

NO CONDUIT & ONLY ONE ANCHOR BRACKET IN HOOD

NO CORNER PULLEYS REQUIRED

COLOR CODES NOZZLES – All Kitchen Mister nozzles have a unique color band
for easy identification

LISTING AND APPROVALS
1. Listed to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Standard UL-300
2. Listed to Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, Inc.
3. Approved by the New York City Fire Department COA #5550
4. Complies with NFPA-96 and NFPA-17A Standards
5. CE Compliant

Associated Fire Protection is a Distributor of Kitchen Mister Systems. If you have any questions, please contact our Sales Department at 866-812-3473 or info@associatedfire.com today.

Holiday Lighting

1. Inspect lighting for worn insulation or loose light bulbs
2. Turn the lights off before leaving the house or going to bed
3. Don’t overload electrical sockets

Christmas Trees

1. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches off the base of the tree
2. Make sure the tree is three feet away from all heat sources like a radiators, heating ducts or fireplaces
3. Add water to the tree every morning and every night
4. Throw away the tree once it begins to drop needles, this indicates that it is dried out and is a real fire hazard
5. Never use lit candles to decorate a tree

Cooking

1. Keep kitchen towels and clothing away from the stove
2. Keep your children away from the cooking area
3. Unattended cooking is the number one cause of cooking fires

Finally, check your smoke alarms to make sure they are in working order!

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Holiday Gifts for the children of Eva's Village

Eva’s Village is a non-profit organization whose mission is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted and provide free medical and dental care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual. Eva’s Village is located in Paterson NJ, just blocks away from Associated Fire Protection, providing Associated Fire with an amazing opportunity to help the local community.

Associated Fire Protection will continue to provide outreach to Eva’s Village in many different ways including organizing more days for employees to volunteer their time, continue with the food and clothing drives, and become active in Eva’s job preparedness program.

Wet Sprinkler Systems

A wet sprinkler system consists of a network of pipes filled with water. During the winter months areas that contain the sprinkler piping and sprinkler valves must be kept above freezing. This sometimes becomes an issue when a build owner decides to shut off the heat to save money in a vacant building.

Dry Sprinkler Systems

In a dry sprinkler system, the sprinkler pipes are filled with air instead of water to protect unheated areas like parking garages or cold storage. If you have a dry sprinkler system, these simple steps should be completed before the cold weather each year:

1. Drain the drum drips until they are free of moisture. Close the top valve and open the bottom valve to drain any water into a bucket or drain. Repeat until no more water comes out.
2. Leave the valves of drum drips in the proper positions (the top valve should be open and the bottom valve closed).
3. Check to make sure the valve room is heated. The area with the sprinkler piping does not need to be heated, but the valve room must be heated.
4. Drain priming to proper levels.
5. Check the operation of the air compressor.

These five small steps can save you thousands in water damage and or piping repairs. During our regular scheduled inspections, Associated Fire Protection will check these items for you, but they may need to be checked more frequently depending on how many times we visit your location a year. If you have any additional questions, give us a call at 973-684-7250.

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems Protect Property from Fires & the Tax Man

Buildings equipped with these systems are exempt from real property taxes
Christopher J. Caslin

10-11-2011

For property owners who install automatic fire suppression system in their building, buried deep in Title 54 of the New Jersey statutes is some helpful relief on their real-property taxes. Under N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.131, a residential, commercial or industrial building with an automatic fire suppression system that was installed after 1983 and that has been certified as an “automatic fire suppression system” is exempt from real property taxes.

According to the statute, an automatic fire suppression system is “a mechanical system designed and equipped to detect a fire, activate an alarm, and suppress or control a fire without the necessity of human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of rise of temperature, or increase in the level of combustion products.” In general, these systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires without the need for any human intervention and can be found in a variety of configurations and applications. Given the wide range of materials found in today’s environment, chemical-based fire extinguishing agents may be used instead of just water since water may not be effective depending on the uses and surroundings in a particular building.

Fire suppression systems can be “engineered” or “pre-engineered.” Engineered systems typically are used for larger projects where the system itself is designed for a specific application, such as a “clean” computer room or an electrical switch room. These systems can dispense a variety of solid and gaseous fire-extinguishing agents. By contrast, pre-engineered systems are less complex, using predesigned components that are capable of delivering both wet and dry chemical-based fire-extinguishing agents, such as potassium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. These systems can be found in facilities such as commercial kitchens and storage areas, and are commonly used in situations where installing a conventional fire sprinkler system would not be cost effective. Both engineered and pre-engineered systems detect fire through either mechanical or electrical means. When a certain temperature is reached, mechanical detectors separate and release tension on a mechanism; electrical detectors close a circuit that remains open in normal conditions. The piping and nozzle configurations used in each system are dependent upon the type of fire-extinguishing agent the system uses.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.132, the “enforcing agency” (defined as the enforcing agency in any municipality provided for under the State Uniform Construction Code Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.)), which is typically the municipal building or construction official, has the responsibility for determining the eligibility of any proposed automatic fire suppression systems based on a form affidavit prescribed by the Director of the Division of Taxation and submitted to the enforcing agency by a property owner seeking an exemption. The statute provides the enforcing agency with a right of inquiry at any time into the property owner’s claim for exemption and may require the submission of any proof necessary to determine the right of the property owner to such exemption. The enforcing agency can review the cost estimates provided by the property owner and may require documentation in the form of signed contracts, contractor estimates and the like if deemed necessary by the enforcing agency. On-site inspections of the premises to review the installed fire suppression system may also be conducted by the enforcing agency.

The Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs is responsible for adopting rules and regulations establishing technical standards for automatic fire suppression systems necessary to qualify those systems for exemption from taxation pursuant to the statute (see N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.137(b)). The enforcing agency must consult with the appropriate subcode officials in determining whether the system conforms with the building and fire protection subcodes and their referenced standards. In addition, and where applicable, the statute requires that the system also conform with the most recently published editions of National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Codes and Standards, specifically standards 13D, 20, 22 and 24.

NFPA 13D deals with the design, installation, and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems for protection against fire hazards in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes. Sprinkler systems installed under this standard are developed on the premise that the origin of a fire will be from a single source/location.

NFPA 20 addresses the selection and installation of pumps supplying liquid for private fire protection, which include liquid supplies, suction, discharge, and auxiliary equipment, power supplies, electric drive and control, diesel engine drive and control, and steam turbine drive and control.

NFPA 22 provides the minimum requirements for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of tanks and accessory equipment that supply water for private fire protection, such as gravity tanks, pressure tanks and towers, and foundations. It also provides ways to protect the tanks and equipment against freezing.

Finally, NFPA 24 establishes the minimum requirements for the installation of private fire service mains and the appurtenances supplying automatic sprinkler systems, private fire hydrants, standpipe systems and hose houses. NFPA 24 is applicable to combined service mains used to carry water for fire service and other uses with some exceptions (i.e., underground mains serving sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13D).

With the exception of NFPA 22 (which is current as of 2008), the standards are current as of 2010. All of the standards are scheduled to be updated in 2013.

An automatic fire suppression system is eligible for an exemption only if it conforms to each of the standards as are applicable to the type of suppression system and the installations appurtenant to such system. The statute does provide some flexibility, however; a system is not deemed ineligible because it is in a new building or because it only provides coverage to part of a building.

When the enforcing agency has determined that the equipment, facility or system installed in a building was “designed primarily as an automatic fire suppression system in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs” (see N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.133), the enforcing agency may then certify that the system is exempt from taxation. For new construction, a decision granting or denying certification of the system must be made by the enforcing agency prior to issuance of the construction permit with written notice of the decision being given to the applicant at that time. Subject to the Administrative Procedure Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.), the Director of the Division of Taxation is responsible for adopting rules and regulations necessary for the proper certification of a tax exemption and the form of the certificate to be issued (see N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.137(a)). If the enforcing agency grants certification, a certificate is issued to the applicant containing information identifying the system and its cost along with any other information as may be required from time to time by the Division of Taxation.

A copy of the certificate is retained on file by the enforcing agency and another copy is sent to the assessor of the taxing district in which the property is located. The exemption commences in the tax year following the year in which certification was granted. The amount of the exemption is governed by N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.136, which provides that real property containing a “certified automatic fire suppression system may have exempted annually from the assessed valuation of the real property a sum equal to the remainder of the assessed valuation of the real property with the automatic fire suppression system included, minus the assessed valuation of the real property without the automatic fire suppression system.”

If a property owner disagrees with the findings of the enforcing agency, N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.135(a) allows the owner to apply to the construction board of appeals for the county in which the property is located to review the enforcing agency’s determination. Property owners may seek relief from any determination or inaction on the part of the assessor by filing an appeal with the county board of taxation or the tax court, as appropriate, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.135(b).

The enforcing agency does have the power to revoke a certificate that has been issued to a property owner if: (a) the certificate was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation; (b) the property owner has failed to proceed substantially with the construction, reconstruction, installation or acquisition of an automatic fire suppression system; (c) the mechanical system to which the certificate relates is no longer used for the primary purpose of providing automatic fire suppression and is being used for a different primary purpose; or (d) the property owner has so departed from the equipment, design and construction previously certified by the enforcing agency that, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, the automatic fire suppression system is not suitable and reasonably adequate for the purpose of providing automatic fire suppression (see N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.134). Property owners with automatic fire suppression systems in some or all of the buildings they own may want to take a closer look at whether they qualify for this exemption if they are not already taking advantage of it.

Caslin is a Hackensack-based member of Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard. His practice focuses on financing, acquisition, leasing and development of commercial real estate.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2011

Release #12-002

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bird Brain Firepot Fuel Gel, Bird Brain Firepot Citronella Fuel Gel and Bird Brain BioFuel Fuel Gel

Units: About 1.6 million bottles and cans

Distributor: Bird Brain Inc. of Ypsilanti, Mich.

Hazard: The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. This hazard can occur if the consumer does not see the flame or is not aware that the firepot is still ignited. Gel fuel that splatters and ignites can pose fire and burn risks to consumers that can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: Bird Brain is aware of 20 reports of incidents, resulting in 11 injuries that involved first-, second- and third-degree burns.

Description: This recall involves pourable gel fuels packaged in 16-ounce, 32-ounce and 64-ounce plastic bottles and sold with or without citronella oil. The labels on the container say “Bird Brain Firepot Fuel Gel” or “BioFuel Fuel Gel.” The bottles were sold as single bottles and in multiple-bottle packages. The gel fuel is poured into a stainless steel cup in the center of ceramic firepots or other decorative lighting devices and ignited. The CPSC website lists the products affected.

Sold at: Sears, K-Mart, Target and other major retailers; Amazon.com, Target.com, Buy.com and various online specialty, home and garden, pet and gift shops and independent retailers from October 2008 through August 2011. Individual units were sold for between $8 and $18. Multi-packs were sold for between for between $18 and $136.

Manufactured in: U.S. and China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the pourable gel fuel and return the gel fuel to the company for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bird Brain toll-free at (877) 414-0842 anytime (live operators available between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday) or visit the company’s website at www.birdbrainrecall.com

This firm is part of a larger set of pourable gel fuel recalls. For more information, please see:

News Release: Nine Manufacturers, Distributors Announce Consumer Recall of Pourable Gel Fuel Due to Burn and Flash Fire Hazards (Sept. 1, 2011)

News Release: Napa Home & Garden Recalls NAPAfire and FIREGEL Pourable Gel Fuel Due to Fire and Burn Hazards (June 22, 2011)

OnSafety Blog: Stop Using Pourable Gel Fuels (June 22, 2011)

Alert: Press Statement on Gel Fuels and Other Illuminating Fuels (June 14, 2011)

—

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 414-0842
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Associated Fire Protection Outreach at Eva's Village

Associated Fire Protection has provided and will continue to provide various forms of outreach to a local organization called Eva’s Village.  Eva’s Village is a non-profit organization whose mission is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted and provide free medical and dental care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual.  Eva’s Village is located in Paterson NJ, just blocks away from Associated Fire Protection, providing Associated Fire with an amazing opportunity to help the local community.

Recently, employees of Associated Fire Protection volunteered at Eva’s kitchen and served lunch to over 200 of Eva’s Village’s clients.  There is always a food and clothing donation box located in our retail store and food and clothing drives are promoted throughout the year.

Associated Fire Protection will continue to provide outreach to Eva’s Village in many different ways including organizing more days for employees to volunteer their time, continue with the food and clothing drives, and become active in Eva’s job preparedness program.

8 Common Fire Hazards

1. Walk away from something cooking in the kitchen:
The kitchen is often the most fire-prone room in the house. Unattended toasters & hotplates, dishes that are not microwave proof, cookbooks near naked gas flames are common causes of fires.

2. Let your electrical cords get worn out:
Frayed or chewed electrical cords start many house fires. Exposed electrical wires will light your floor or rug on fire in no time. Pets often chew on electrical cords as well, causing serious fire hazards.

3. Overload your power strips:
Overloaded power strips can also cause fire. When overloaded, they can spark. If they’re anywhere near anything flammable and in most homes they are – a fire is very likely.

4. Buy a malfunctioning electrical appliance:
Malfunctioning electrical appliances are a big source of fire. Most of us own more than a few electrical gadgets, all of which can malfunction at any time. Sparks from faulty toasters, coffee makers, televisions, computer monitors, or any electrical appliance you could name can cause serious fires.

5. Put something flammable near something hot:
Getting anything flammable near a source of heat is a quick way to start a fire. Some dangerous examples include lamp shades that rest too close to the bulb, clothes or curtains too close to a radiator, or any flammable material close to a space heater.

6. Leave a candle unattended- just for a minute:
Candles cause hundreds of fires every year. Even with a safe holder, candles should never be left unattended. It only takes a minute for a pet or child to knock a candle over – or just nudge it too close to flammable material

7. Use a fireplace or wood stove incorrectly:
Fireplace and wood stoves can be fire hazards when not properly used. Make sure your chimney is clear and clean before burning anything. Never throw away ashes that aren’t 100% cool- even the tiniest smoldering coal could easily start a fire in your trash bin.

8. Leave burning cigarettes unattended:
Cigarettes are a huge fire hazard. Smoking in bed, leaving a pipe or cigarette unattended, and emptying ashtray contents before they are cold cause hundreds of fires each year.

National Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2011. This year the NFPA’s official theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Protect Your Family From Fire”. As per the NFPA, this year’s campaign is all about keeping you, your family, and your community safer from fire.

Associated Fire Protection encourages everyone to take some time during Fire Prevention Week to review what you know about fire safety and to educate yourself on how to keep yourself, your family and your community safe.

Associated Fire Protection employees are always available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us at 973-684-4500 or visit us online at www.associatedfire.com to send us an email with any questions you may have.

Visit our online store and take advantage of special sales on fire protection and home safety products.