The Role of the National Fire Protection Association

The role of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to set fire safety standards across the United States of America. Throughout history, fires have led to the rise and fall of many civilizations. This is why it is more important than ever to create fire safety standards, because without them we would be at great risk of fire danger.

The codes and standards of the NFPA are very thorough and provide guidelines for electrical systems, sprinkler systems, alarm systems, extinguishers, and much more. With these rules, we are able to have faith in our protection from fire outbreak. For owners of businesses and commercial property, it is crucial that you keep up to date with this information.

Visitors, employees, and residents are relying on you to protect them from the chance of fire. This makes it your duty to follow all of the standards outlined by the NFPA. For most people that are not familiar with the codes, it can be confusing to ensure you are up to date. Rest assured that there are services out there who can come in and inspect your property. They will make sure that you comply with all rules, and they will tell you what needs to be fixed.

Don't underestimate the value of a great fire services company, they are the key to proper fire protection. If you are a business owner that seeks fire code inspection services in Tampa FL, then look to A To Z Fire. We make it our job to protect you from loss due to fire, so call us today at 727-865-1050.

The World's First Fire Alarm System

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Provided by A To Z Fire in Tampa Bay FL

Fires have always been a problem for society since the discovery of fire. When electricity began being introduced into homes, this problem grew substantially. The man that is credited with inventing the world’s first fire alarm system is none other than William Francis Channing.

Does that name sound familiar to you? It should, he worked with Alexander Graham Bell in developing the telephone. Oddly enough, Channing did not go to school electrical engineering, he went to school for medicine. The reason he worked so well in electrical engineering is that he saw a strong resemblance between electrical wires and the human nervous system. He went on to develop many technologies, help survey new lands and resources, and much more.

The fire alarm system that he invented utilized Morse code technology to create an alert system for the entire city of Boston. It worked by using a system of bells and signaling stations. There were fire alarm boxes placed around the city that could be used to send an alert to the nearest central station. This worked with electrical wires transmitting Morse code via telegraphs.

This invention saved many lives and houses from being completely destroyed by fires. And it is important to note that Channing did not develop this alone. An electrical engineer and professor, Moses Farmer was also responsible for this invention. Together these two are credited with introducing the world to fire alarm systems. Nowadays fire alarm systems are more important than ever. Having one in your home or business can be the difference between life and death. Think ahead and have one installed in your home and reach out to A to Z Fire for fire alarm systems in Tampa FL.

The Legend of San Francisco's Golden Fire Hydrant

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Provided By: A To Z Fire in Tampa FL

If you’ve ever visited San Francisco, CA, you may have visited the historic Mission District. Did you pass a golden fire hydrant and wonder why it was painted gold? Well this fire hydrant is special, and it is known as the ‘little giant’.

On April 18^th, 1906 a powerful earthquake struck San Francisco and destroyed most of (if not all of) the cities fire hydrant. The little giant saved the day, as it was the only functioning fire hydrant to be found. This little guy is responsible for saving the Mission District, as well as the fire department and help from citizens.

Now the little giant is given a fresh coat of gold paint each year on April 18^th in honor of the valiant efforts of the community. Funnily enough, the fire hydrant was accidentally painted silver in 2012. The city quickly realized this mistake and repainted it gold.

The memorial plaque for the little giant goes as follows:

“Though the water mains were broken and dry on April 18^th, 1906 yet from this Greenberg hydrant on the following night there came a stream of water allowing the firemen to save the Mission District.

Dedicated to Chief Dennis Sullivan and the men who fought the Great Fire and to the spirit of the people of San Francisco who regardless of their losses brought our city from its ruins to be host to the world with their 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition and the building of our Civic Center.

May their love and devotion for this city be an inspiration for all to follow and their motto ‘The city that knows how’ a light to lead all future generations.

Presented to San Francisco by the Upper Noe Valley Neighborhood Council April 18^th, 1966”

Hopefully this story of bravery, dedication, and valiance motivates you. Without the ‘Little Giant’s help, the city would have burned to the ground. Let this story show you why it is important to have functioning fire safety equipment at all times. Don’t let your property be destroyed by a fire, protect it by hiring a fire safety services company. A to Z Fire is a Tampa-based fire safety services company that will make sure your family and home are safe from fires. Call us today at (877)-938-3473.

A Brief History of Fire Extinguishers

Provided By: A to Z Fire in Tampa, FL

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Fire Extinguisher Services Tampa FL

Have you ever passed a fire extinguisher at work and wondered about the history behind it? It’s always interesting to learn about the story behind how fire extinguishers first started being used. We will fast forward to the 1700’s, when fire extinguishing systems first started being invented.

A chemist named Ambrose Godfrey invented an automatic fire extinguishing system that could put out fires with the use of chemicals and gunpowder. Let me guess, you’re probably wondering why in the world gunpowder was used to put out fires? The gunpowder was detonated by a system of fuses that could be lit. When the gunpowder exploded, it would scatter a fire-extinguishing liquid around the area. Pretty clever, right?

Captain George Manby is credited with creating the first portable fire extinguisher as we know it today in 1818. He used a copper container that could store about three gallons of potassium carbonate with the use of compressed air. This invention paved the way to modern fire extinguishers that we use today.

From this point on, fire extinguisher innovation sky rocketed. By experimenting with different types of chemicals, chemical reactions, and containing/releasing systems, mankind invented hundreds of fire extinguishers.

One important reason for the invention of fire extinguishers was to allow people to protect their businesses and homes from fire. Usually people don’t think about fire extinguisher services (upkeep, inspections, replacements) until it is too late. Don’t wait, protect your property from fire by hiring someone that provides fire extinguisher services and sales. 

Cool Facts about Fire | Fire Safety Systems Tampa FL | A To Z Fire

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Provided By: AtoZFire.com

 Flames that burn blue such as candles and propane grills do so because of oxygen. More oxygen being burned results in a blue flame. Less oxygen being consumed results in a yellow flame.

The bubonic plague in London during the 1660’s was ended by the Great Fire of London.

Earth is the only known planet where fire can burn.

The most deadly fire in the United States took place in 1865 when the steamship Sultana’s boilers exploded. 1,500 recently-released Union prisoners were aboard this ship and the death toll was 1,547.

Certain items are considered dangerous by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, including pistachios. This is due to the natural oils and heat-generating decomposition of them.

Firehouses have spiral staircases because the horses that carried fire-fighting equipment learned how to climb up regular stairs.

 The Dalmatian has always been a common mascot of firehouses. The reason for this is that Dalmatians originally helped guide the horses and keep them calm. They also went outside when the fire alarm went off and alerted people so they could get out of the way for the horses.

A fireman responds to an alarm approximately once every 16 seconds and someone is injured by a fire every 20 seconds.

During the evacuation of the World Trade Center on September 11^th, 2001, a Yellow Lab named Roselle saved 31 lives. She was a seeing-eye dog for a man on the 78^th floor and she calmly led him and 30 other people safely out of the building.