Your Spring Safety & Fire Protection Checklist

Spring is in full swing, and it’s the perfect season to get organized and take a fresh look at your surroundings. If you’re a property owner or building manager, now is the time to conduct a thorough review of your safety procedures and fire protection systems.

How Do Seasonal Transitions Impact Fire Safety?
Winter brings cold weather, more time spent indoors, and potential clutter buildup that can create hazards. As the seasons change, spring offers an opportunity to reset and reassess how your space is really being used.

Whether you manage a large warehouse, office space, or multi-tenant property, a simple check-in can help you stay compliant and ensure your people and property are protected year-round.

Your Spring Safety & Fire Protection Checklist
As you prepare your space for warmer weather, here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Consider what’s changed over the winter.
First, take some time to think about what may have changed about your building and how it’s been used over the past few months. If you own rental property, do you have new tenants? How are they using the space? Maybe you manage a warehouse that has seasonal fluctuations in inventory. Changes to your building may require adjustments to your fire and safety procedures.

2. Walk your entire property, inside and out.
Next, do a thorough visual inspection of your space to spot potential hazards, such as:

  • Clutter in stairways, which can block exit routes in an emergency
  • Flammable products and combustible materials in cabinets or enclosed storage spaces
  • Fire alarms, extinguishers, or first aid kits hidden behind boxes or equipment
  • Sprinkler heads blocked by high warehouse storage or shelving

Safety doesn’t stop at your building. Look around your entire property for outdoor hazards such as wooden pallets, fallen branches, dry brush, or debris that could pose a risk. Do you have outdoor fire pits or grills on your property? Be sure they’re clean, well-maintained, and in proper working condition before use.

3. Inspect fire extinguishers.
Fire extinguishers should be checked monthly by building owners and at least annually by a professional. During your monthly visual check, make sure each fire extinguisher is easily accessible, free from damage, and properly charged. If you are in doubt, contact your fire extinguisher supplier.

Spring is also a great time to schedule fire extinguisher training to ensure you and your team feel confident and prepared in case of a fire emergency.

4. Review inspection schedules.
Check your records and make sure any fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and alarms are scheduled for professional inspection at the required intervals.

5. Evaluate electrical safety.
During the winter months, it’s common to rely on extension cords for space heaters or extra lighting. Remember, extension cords are for short-term use only. When multiple cords are linked together or “daisy-chained,” it can overload circuits and create a major fire hazard.

6. Restock emergency supplies.
Check first-aid kits and ensure bloodborne pathogen kits are fully stocked and readily accessible. Even if the kit appears full, some items may expire over time and need to be replaced.

7. Refresh your team on emergency procedures.
Do your employees know what to do and where to go in the event of a fire? What about a severe weather event or security breach? Spring is a great time to refresh your team on emergency procedures and ensure everyone understands their role in keeping themselves and others safe.

We recommend conducting a spring fire drill to put those plans into practice. Take your time to walk through the procedures step by step. It’s also a good opportunity to take a fresh look at your signage and confirm designated muster locations where employees and guests assemble during a building evacuation.

What to Leave to the Professionals
There’s a lot you can do in-house to make sure your building is safe and secure. However, some aspects of fire protection should always be handled by trained professionals.

For example, confined spaces like fire vaults or pits can contain hazardous gases and require specialized equipment to perform a safe inspection. If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to call in an expert in fire protection services.

What’s the Cost of Skipping Inspections?
Falling out of compliance by missing inspections or overlooking safety hazards has serious consequences. Fire departments will issue citations if required systems aren’t maintained and inspected in accordance with regulations. They can and will shut down operations if your building is out of compliance, which means lost profits and wages. Insurance companies are also likely to deny claims if inspections are overdue or systems aren’t functioning properly.

Beyond compliance, your fire and safety systems exist to protect what matters most. In an emergency, they help ensure your people exit safely and have a place to come back to.

Spring Into Safety with Silco
Take some time this spring to check your systems, clear potential hazards from your property, and confirm your inspections are up to date. A few proactive steps now will help ensure your facility is fully prepared for any emergency.

Silco is here to help every step of the way. From fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance to hands-on training and security support, we help you protect your people and property. Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

Professional Fire Systems Training at Silco’s James A. Fraser Training Center

Fire safety often begins with reducing everyday risks and arming yourself with the knowledge to respond confidently in an emergency. Silco’s state-of-the-art James A. Fraser Training Center in Columbus, Ohio, provides hands-on fire systems training designed to help teams better understand how life safety systems work, respond, and integrate in real-world environments.

Featuring two fully equipped classrooms, advanced audiovisual capabilities, a water-based suppression lab, and dedicated spaces for kitchen and gaseous suppression systems, the center is designed to support immersive, real-world learning. All equipment is fully functional and can be disassembled and reassembled for instructional purposes—ensuring participants gain practical experience with the systems they encounter in the field.

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

To support ongoing professional development, CEU credits are available for Ohio fire service professionals. CEU availability varies based on state laws and organizational requirements, and our team can assist with the CEU approval process if your organization requires review. Attendance certificates are available upon request.

Class Breakdown

Our training program covers a wide range of topics, including General Firefighter Awareness, Fire System Basics, and Fire Inspector Knowledge.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the core classes available at our Columbus fire systems training center.

Firefighter’s Basic Awareness Class
Designed for fire service professionals, the firefighter’s basic awareness class includes three sessions:

1. Tour of Fire Alarm Control Panel Exhibits (90 minutes)

This session features multiple live fire alarm demonstration panels, including:

  • Addressable and conventional fire control equipment
  • Smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detection
  • Low-frequency alert, strobe, horn, and voice evacuation devices
  • High-rise evacuation and emergency simulations
  • Elevator recall and smoke control simulation
  • Reset procedures for emergency activation, pull stations, and control panels

2. Tour of the Live Water-Based Protection Systems Exhibit (90 minutes)

Participants will explore:

  • Wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler risers and controls
  • Foam and standpipe system examples
  • Fire department connection (FDC)
  • Water motor gongs
  • Electronic monitoring of waterflow, tamper, and low air
  • Fire pump and jockey pump examples
  • UL-listed fire air compressors
  • Riser-mounted air compressor (coming soon)

3. Tour of the Suppression Systems Lab (60 minutes)

Hands-on learning includes:

  • Kitchen suppression equipment and examples
  • Captive Aire hood demonstrations
  • Link-style, pneumatic tubing, and electronic detection
  • Mechanical and electric gas valve examples
  • Residential kitchen hood suppression
  • Operational CO₂ fire suppression system
  • Pre-action sprinkler head activation example

Custom Fire Training Classes
If the options above don’t fit your needs, we can tailor a session on request to focus on the systems and scenarios most relevant to your facility, team, or organization.

Schedule a Session at Silco’s Training Center Today
Ready to strengthen your team’s understanding of fire protection systems? Schedule a visit to Silco’s James A. Fraser Training Center by completing the Schedule Training form, emailing training@silcofs.com, or calling 614-449-2101.

These Fire Code Violations Could Cost Your Business

Fire prevention isn’t just a good idea. It’s a way to ensure compliance and keep your business—and your budget—from going up in flames. A single overlooked violation could put lives at risk and cost your business thousands in fines and damages.

This National Fire Prevention Month, let’s review nine common fire code violations and how to address them before they spread into a costlier issue.

#1: No Fire Plan
More than a formality, a fire safety plan is a blueprint for keeping your business and your employees safe. Without a sufficient one, you risk confusion and chaos in an emergency.

Solution: Create a clear, up-to-date fire safety plan and practice regular drills so everyone knows their role when it’s time to evacuate. The fire safety experts at Silco can help you develop a custom fire protection plan. We also offer hands-on training that simulates actual fire situations, empowering your team to navigate high-stress situations calmly and confidently.

#2: Faulty Fire Alarms
Fire alarms are often the first alert that danger is near, giving your building’s occupants precious time to react and evacuate.

Solution: Regularly test batteries, check alarm sensitivity, and ensure the entire system is in sound working order. Silco can inspect, service, and monitor virtually all brands of fire alarm systems, including many proprietary brand systems.

#3: Obstructed Exits
In an emergency, every second counts. Blocked exits can turn a quick escape into a costly delay.

Solution: Make sure doors aren’t obstructed by things like storage shelves, furniture, or construction materials. Conduct regular walkthroughs and routine checks to help clear the path and keep you compliant.

#4: Malfunctioning Emergency Exit Lighting
Emergency exit lights help guide people inside a building to safety during a fire emergency. Lighting that doesn’t work properly can lead to panic, which may result in injuries or even loss of life.

Solution: Regularly test and maintain emergency lighting. Schedule monthly and annual inspections of your facility. Silco can inspect your emergency exit lights to ensure they are functioning properly and up to code.

#5: Insufficient Fire Extinguishers
Having too few fire extinguishers is a serious code breach. Having ones that don’t work properly can lead to a false sense of security and devastating consequences.

Solution: Ensure there are enough fire extinguishers in your building and that they are properly maintained.

Key Tip: Silco can assist in making sure your fire extinguishers are up to code with yearly inspections and maintenance.

#6: Ignoring Electrical Risks
Plugging in too many devices into electrical outlets and using damaged extension cords are serious fire hazards. Electrical risks can also be one of the most overlooked fire hazards, especially in office environments.

Solution: Avoid overloading outlets, and never use damaged extension cords. Remember, extension cords are intended to be for temporary use, not powering high-wattage appliances.

#7: Overlooked Fire Sprinklers
Fire sprinklers that don’t work or are blocked by storage or debris won’t activate when you need them most.

Solution: Ensure sprinkler heads are not blocked and regularly inspect and maintain the systems. Also, be sure that nothing is hanging from sprinkler systems.  Since parts of sprinkler systems are often overlooked, your Silco technician can help determine what needs to be inspected and when.

#8: Improper Storage of Flammable Materials
If your business deals with flammable materials, proper storage is essential.

Solution: Store flammable materials in well-ventilated, secure areas designed to contain potential hazards.

#9: Inadequate Fire Separations
Fire separations—walls and doors built to contain fires—play a critical role in slowing down blazes.

Solution: Regularly inspect these barriers for cracks, gaps, or damage to keep the flames contained.

Partner with Silco for Reliable Fire Safety Solutions
Don’t let your business get burned by fire code violations. To support your emergency readiness, Silco offers:

Reach out to Silco today to learn more or schedule a site visit. Your safety is our priority.

Don’t Risk It: Reduce Business Risks with these 5 Essential Security Products & Services

Running a successful business means thinking beyond the daily operations. What are you doing to protect your assets, employees, and customers, even after hours?

With 2025 security trends indicating commercial surveillance as a must-have, now is the time to safeguard your business against evolving threats. And with today’s advanced security technology, there are many smart ways to help minimize your business risk.

Let’s take a closer look:

#1: Security Alarms
When it comes to break-ins and intruders, every second counts. A reliable security alarm is key in detecting these threats and alerting the right people.

Silco security alarms have a user-friendly app that allows for seamless integration with your existing devices so you can monitor your facility remotely from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Our mobile apps are compatible with Apple® and Android® devices.

Plus, with tap of a button, you can lock down your facility while our UL®-certified monitoring center provides 24/7 protection.

#2: Video Surveillance
Video surveillance keeps eyes on your business 24/7, 365, so you can close yours each night knowing you’re protecting your assets.

The advanced analytics of Silco’s video surveillance systems bring your security game to the next level by alerting you to potential threats in real time.

At Silco, we design, install, service, and monitor video surveillance solutions for any size building, campus, or scenario. Our experienced techs know just where to place the cameras for optimal coverage. They can help you integrate the cameras with your DVR, NVR, network, Edge, or server configurations.

#3: Access Control
It’s your business, and who comes and goes—and when—should be your business, too. Access control gives you the ability to secure your workplace with on-site and remote access control in real time.

With Silco’s access control, you can instantly grant or deny access using the following methods:

  • Keycards
  • FOBs
  • Fingerprints
  • PIN codes
  • Biometric readers
  • Video intercom or tap of the app

What’s more, our cloud-based platform is available 24/7 through a simple mobile app or web portal, giving you full control anytime, anywhere.

#4: Automatic Gates
Automatic gates can deter potential trespassers and keep unwanted guests out.

Whether it’s slide gates, swing gates, lift gates, barrier gates, or forced protection security gates, Silco’s gate products are UL325 compliant and integrate seamlessly with RFID sensors, keypads, remotes, biometric scanners, intercoms, and underground sensors for vehicle and pedestrian access.

#5: Automatic Doors and Turnstiles
Automatic doors and turnstiles can optimize pedestrian flow and further enhance security within your business.

Our technicians service automatic doors and turnstiles, integrating them with surveillance and card access systems for secure, seamless operations.

Preventive maintenance isn’t just best practice—it prevents false alarms, ensures your school’s system works when it matters most, and ultimately saves lives. Use this checklist to make certain your school’s fire safety systems stay ahead of the curve.

Monthly:

  • Look for dust, corrosion, or damage on equipment and clean or repair where necessary.
  • Conduct routine fire drills so that students, teachers, and other staff members know how to respond calmly and safely.
  • Maintain thorough records of fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Annually:

  • Repair or replace components as needed. Old or outdated parts can be swapped out with newer ones to stay compliant with modern codes.
  • Review fire codes and safety regulations to make sure your building meets all requirements.
  • Update your fire safety plan and make sure all staff are familiar with the plan.

School Security Measures

In today’s world, proactive planning is essential for school security. This checklist will help you protect everyone in your building and ensure your school’s security system is ready for any threat.

Monthly:

  • Inspect gates, fences, and security cameras for proper function.
  • Test security alarms regularly to make sure they’re alerting the right people at the right time.
  • Verify that communication systems, such as intercoms and emergency alert systems, operate as expected.
  • Hold regular emergency drills so that responses become second nature.

Annually:

  • Develop a crisis response plan for situations like active shooter events, natural disasters, and more.
  • Train staff and teachers on how to respond in each scenario.
  • Equip staff with resources to identify early warning signs in student behavior.

Emergency Lighting & Exits

In an emergency, everyone needs a clear and safe way out. Use this checklist to ensure your school building’s emergency lighting and exit systems illuminate the path to safety.

Monthly:

  • Test battery and light output for at least 30 seconds.
  • Inspect for corrosion or wear and repair or replace as needed.
  • Clean fixtures to remove dust and debris.

Annually:

  • Run a full 90-minute emergency light simulation.
  • Adjust light beams for optimal coverage.
  • Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED systems.
  • Draw up clear emergency exit routes for each section of the building.
  • Train all staff on emergency exit routes and lighting locations.

First to Final Bell: Make Safety a Priority Year-Round

Safety isn’t a one-time lesson. It’s an ongoing commitment. By staying proactive with regular fire safety inspections, safety training, and security system checks, school administrators can create a secure learning environment for all.

Ready to Start the School Year with Confidence?

As you prepare for the new school year, contact your local Silco Fire & Security office to schedule a comprehensive school safety assessment or inspection. We’re here to help you protect what matters most!

Safety 101: Your Back-to-School Roadmap

It’s that time of year again when students are prepping their backpacks, sharpening their pencils, and getting ready to learn. This back-to-school season, school administrators should also be doing their homework to brush up on the most important subject: safety.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to review your safety protocols and create a clear roadmap for inspections, training, and emergency preparedness.

Use these monthly and annual checklists to keep your school safe, compliant, and secure — so students and staff can focus on learning, not worrying.

Fire Safety Essentials: School Fire Alarms, Sprinklers & Extinguishers

Preventive maintenance isn’t just best practice—it prevents false alarms, ensures your school’s system works when it matters most, and ultimately saves lives. Use this checklist to make certain your school’s fire safety systems stay ahead of the curve.

Monthly:

  • Look for dust, corrosion, or damage on equipment and clean or repair where necessary.
  • Conduct routine fire drills so that students, teachers, and other staff members know how to respond calmly and safely.
  • Maintain thorough records of fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Annually:

  • Repair or replace components as needed. Old or outdated parts can be swapped out with newer ones to stay compliant with modern codes.
  • Review fire codes and safety regulations to make sure your building meets all requirements.
  • Update your fire safety plan and make sure all staff are familiar with the plan.

School Security Measures

In today’s world, proactive planning is essential for school security. This checklist will help you protect everyone in your building and ensure your school’s security system is ready for any threat.

Monthly:

  • Inspect gates, fences, and security cameras for proper function.
  • Test security alarms regularly to make sure they’re alerting the right people at the right time.
  • Verify that communication systems, such as intercoms and emergency alert systems, operate as expected.
  • Hold regular emergency drills so that responses become second nature.

Annually:

  • Develop a crisis response plan for situations like active shooter events, natural disasters, and more.
  • Train staff and teachers on how to respond in each scenario.
  • Equip staff with resources to identify early warning signs in student behavior.

Emergency Lighting & Exits

In an emergency, everyone needs a clear and safe way out. Use this checklist to ensure your school building’s emergency lighting and exit systems illuminate the path to safety.

Monthly:

  • Test battery and light output for at least 30 seconds.
  • Inspect for corrosion or wear and repair or replace as needed.
  • Clean fixtures to remove dust and debris.

Annually:

  • Run a full 90-minute emergency light simulation.
  • Adjust light beams for optimal coverage.
  • Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED systems.
  • Draw up clear emergency exit routes for each section of the building.
  • Train all staff on emergency exit routes and lighting locations.

First to Final Bell: Make Safety a Priority Year-Round

Safety isn’t a one-time lesson. It’s an ongoing commitment. By staying proactive with regular fire safety inspections, safety training, and security system checks, school administrators can create a secure learning environment for all.

Ready to Start the School Year with Confidence?

As you prepare for the new school year, contact your local Silco Fire & Security office to schedule a comprehensive school safety assessment or inspection. We’re here to help you protect what matters most!

 

 

Workplace Fire Safety Best Practices

Are you prepared? Download our FREE workplace fire safety checklist!

Fire safety is crucial for any business, not only to protect your property but also to ensure the safety of your employees and customers. As Fire Safety Month highlights the importance of preparation, now is the perfect time to review and strengthen your workplace fire safety protocols.

1. Conduct Regular Fire Risk Assessments

Every business should perform regular fire risk assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with local fire codes. Whether it’s overloaded electrical circuits or improper storage of flammable materials, early detection of these risks allows you to address them before they lead to disaster.

2. Install and Maintain Fire Protection Systems

A comprehensive fire protection system is essential for any commercial space. This includes fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers. Partnering with Silco ensures that your business has the right equipment installed, maintained, and inspected according to industry standards. Don’t wait until it’s too late—regular inspections and maintenance can be the difference between a minor incident and a major catastrophe.

3. Develop and Implement a Fire Emergency Plan

A well-documented fire emergency plan is vital for any business. This plan should include clear evacuation routes, designated assembly points, and roles for fire wardens or designated safety officers. Make sure that your emergency exits are clear, properly marked, and easy to access.

4. Train Employees and Hold Fire Drills

Your employees should be familiar with fire safety protocols, including how to use fire extinguishers and what to do in the event of an emergency. Regular fire drills help reinforce these protocols and ensure that everyone knows how to evacuate safely and quickly. Training should be refreshed annually and whenever new staff join the team.

5. Ensure Emergency Lighting and Exit Signage Are in Place

In an emergency, well-maintained emergency lighting and clear exit signage can save lives. Regularly check that all exit signs are illuminated and that backup power sources are functioning correctly. These features are critical during a power outage or when visibility is compromised.

6. Stay Compliant with Fire Safety Regulations

Fire safety regulations can vary depending on your location and industry. Staying compliant with OSHA, NFPA, and local fire codes is essential not only to avoid penalties but also to maintain a safe environment. Work with a trusted fire protection provider like Silco to keep your systems up to code and aligned with the latest regulations. 

7. Tailor Your Approach to Different Environments

Different business environments pose unique fire risks. Whether you operate a retail store, warehouse, office, or manufacturing plant, your fire safety measures should be tailored accordingly. For example, a warehouse might require additional fire extinguishers due to the presence of flammable materials, while an office may focus more on electrical safety and clear egress routes.

8. Prioritize Routine Maintenance and Inspections

Fire protection systems require regular maintenance to ensure they’re fully operational when needed. From checking the pressure in fire extinguishers to testing sprinkler systems, routine inspections can prevent small issues from becoming life-threatening problems. Silco’s comprehensive inspection services help you stay proactive, keeping your business safe and compliant.

 

 

When is Exit and Emergency Lighting Required?

Ensuring the safety of occupants in a building is a paramount concern for any property owner or manager. One critical aspect of safety is the provision of adequate exit and emergency lighting. This lighting guides people to safety during emergencies, such as fires, power outages, or natural disasters. But when exactly is exit and emergency lighting required in a building? Here, we explore the key regulations and best practices that dictate these requirements.

Building Codes and Regulations

The primary exit and emergency lighting requirements derive from local building codes and regulations. These codes are usually based on national or international standards and vary by type of building and its use. Some of the most influential codes include:

  • International Building Code (IBC)
    • This code specifies that exit and emergency lighting must be installed in all commercial buildings, multi-family residential buildings, and any other structures where people may need to exit in an emergency.
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 – Life Safety Code 
    • This standard provides detailed requirements for exit and emergency lighting, including specifications for illumination levels, duration, and maintenance.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
    • OSHA mandates that workplaces have adequate exit routes and emergency lighting to ensure safe egress during an emergency.

Types of Buildings

The need for exit and emergency lighting can vary depending on the type of building. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Commercial Buildings
    • Office buildings, retail spaces, and warehouses must have exit and emergency lighting to ensure employees and customers can safely exit during an emergency.
  • Property Management Buildings
    • Multi-family dwellings, such as apartments and condos, require exit and emergency lighting in common areas like hallways, stairwells, and exits.
  • Institutional Buildings
    • Hospitals, schools, and other facilities that serve vulnerable populations need extensive exit and emergency lighting to ensure the safety of occupants who may require assistance.
  • Industrial Buildings
    • Factories and other industrial sites must have robust emergency lighting systems to guide workers to safety, especially in areas with high-risk machinery or hazardous materials.

Specific Requirements

  • Illumination Levels
    • The lighting must provide a minimum level of illumination. For instance, the NFPA 101 specifies a minimum of 1 foot-candle (10.8 lux) at floor level along exit paths.
  • Duration
    • Emergency lighting must remain on for a minimum duration during a power outage. Typically, this duration is 90 minutes, ensuring enough time for occupants to evacuate safely.
  • Backup Power
    • Exit and emergency lights must be connected to a reliable backup power source, such as batteries or generators, to function during a power failure.
  • Placement
    • Exit signs and emergency lights should be strategically placed to cover all exit routes, including corridors, stairwells, ramps, and exit doors. They should be visible from any point within the exit path.

Maintenance and Testing

Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure that exit and emergency lighting systems are functioning correctly. Building owners and managers should:

  • Conduct Monthly Tests
    • Test the integrity of both light output and battery for a duration of 30 seconds, to ensure proper functionality.
  • Annual Full Tests
    • During an annual inspection, we will conduct a comprehensive 90-minute full simulation test on your exit lights. Additionally, they will be cleaned, checked for corrosion or damage, and have beam adjustments made if necessary. After passing inspection, a sticker will be applied to meet record-keeping requirements.

Best Practices

  • Regular Inspections
    • Our Silco technician can perform monthly inspections. However, we strongly recommend that as a minimum requirement, a licensed Silco technician conducts an annual inspection and testing.
  • Upgrades
    • Consider upgrading older lighting systems to modern, energy-efficient LED solutions that offer better performance and lower maintenance costs.
  • Employee Training
    • Train employees on emergency evacuation procedures and ensure they are familiar with the locations of exit routes and emergency lighting.

Takeaways

Exit and emergency lighting is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a critical component of building safety that can save lives in an emergency. At Silco, we understand the vital role that exit and emergency lighting plays. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate and comply with intricate regulations, ensuring that your building meets all safety standards.

From initial installation to ongoing maintenance and testing, we provide comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs. Trust Silco to enhance the safety and security of your property, ensuring peace of mind for you and protection for everyone inside. Contact us today to learn more about our reliable solutions for exit and emergency lighting.