WE CELEBRATE 100! (FAQS, THAT IS!)

Vancouver, B. C. - It's official! The Fire Protection Technicians Network posted our 100th FAQ on April 28th, 2011, thanks to Bruce Hawthorne at Ontario Power Generation (www.opg.com).

GLOBE SPRINKLER RECALL - JUNE 1st, 2011 DEADLINE APPROACHING

Washington, D.C. - The deadline for claiming assistance from the manufacturer in replacing recalled Globe "Model J" heads is fast approaching. Property managers and building owners that employ these units are entitled to receive free replacement heads under the recall initiative. After June 1, 2011, the entire replacement cost will have to be borne by the building owners. It is absolutely imperative that fire equipment service companies ensure none of the sprinkler systems in their care employ sprinkler heads that are the subject of this recall. Failure to recognize this could very well put you "on the hook". For more information you can look here and here!

POTTER ELECTRIC SIGNAL LAUNCHES NEW LINE OF ADDRESSABLE FIRE ALARM PANELS!

St. Louis, Missouri - The International Security Conference (West) held in Las Vegas Nevada showcased a number of innovative new products amoung which was Potter's new line of addressable fire alarm panels. Partnered with Japanese electronics giant Nohmi (and thanks to a major re-financing through First Tennessee Bank last year), Potter has embarked on an ambitious new development program. We wish them every success!

TORONTO CONSIDERS UPPING THE CHARGE FOR FALSE ALARM DISPATCHES

Toronto, Ontario - In a move that has a number of industry experts expressing concern, Toronto City Council is currently studying increasing the "per truck charge" for false alarm dispatches from the current $350.00 to $450.00 (Toronto also introduces a "Zero Tolerance" policy). This raises fears that more building owners will opt to disconnect their fire alarm monitoring services rather than face the cost of having three trucks (the normal response to a fire alarm signal) attend their properties on a false alarm. CANASA (the Canadian Security Association) is actively lobbying to remove the "Zero Tolerance" portion of the By-Law but we doubt they will have any success. Many municipalities are reeling under the high cost of false alarm dispatches and with the price of fuel already well beyond $1.40 per litre in many Canadian Provinces, we anticipate more will adopt similar policies.

FIRELITE (DIVISION OF HONEYWELL) INTRODUCES AN EARTHQUAKE PROOF FIRE ALARM!

Northford, Connecticutt - Honeywell captures another "first" with the introduction of a certified retro-fit kit that will enhance the survivability of a number of their addressable control panels in the event of a major earthquake. The kit will help to secure the back-up batteries and provide additional bracing for internal components. The kits extend to the other Honeywell product lines as well (Gamewell and Notifier).

LAWYER'S "VISIT" SPARKS CONCERNS!

Vancouver, B.C. - Over the last couple of years, we have received our fair share of legal attention (first by Kane Shannon and Weiler's Michael Givton, and then by Boughton Law Corporation's Martin Sennott), but nothing quite like what we observed in recent weeks (thanks in large part to one of Google's Webmaster Tools called "Analytics"). The prominent Vancouver legal firm of Bull, Housser and Tupper started hitting our site in mid-March and has since spent what amounts to a good four hours visiting various pages including this one. We couldn't fathom what sparked their interest until a concerned reader pointed out that this firm represents a number of companies and indivduals with close ties to both Vision Vancouver and Mayor Gregor Robertson. We hope they will continue to enjoy visiting our site!

LAUNCHING A NEW (OR IMPROVED) DOO-DAD? GOT A STORY? SOMETHING OF INTEREST AND/OR NOTE-WORTHY?

Email us! We'll make sure it gets out there!

TECH-NEWS & VIEWS (Main Page)

JOIN US!

Individual members will receive Fire Technicians Network shoulder patches which they can wear as a visible demonstration of their commitment to the higher standard. You'll also enjoy access to manuals and the resources you need to shift your career into high gear. Our goal is help you improve your knowledge and skillset and, ultimately, your own community's LIFE SAFETY standards. Remember:

We are not a professional union but together, we are a union of professionals!