Happy Halloween everyone. Remember to set the clocks back to STANDARD Time this weekend and Check or Change the batteries in your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (if needed). With the Holiday season approaching, its a good time to be fire safe, and check your portable fire extinguisher(s) as well. ...read more

Welcome to Napa Valley Hauling! Let us service your hauling and junk removal needs. We offer a variety of junk hauling services throughout the Napa Valley, including Sonoma, American Canyon and Solano counties. Napa Valley Hauling is a family owned business taking great pride in customer satisfaction. We understand that your time is valuable, so count on us to provide reliable and prompt service. We promise to have your place looking clean in no time! Competitive prices are guaranteed! For your convenience we accept various forms of payment, including cash, check, all major credit cards, and PayPal. ...read more

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 6 this year. Best Fire Equipment is reminding everyone to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms when changing their clocks back to Standard Time this weekend. This is also a good time to check your fire extinguishers."Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives by alerting you to a fire or CO buildup. They can't do their job if the batteries aren't working,"said Del Schank, President of Best Fire Equipment."Protect your family by replacing smoke and CO alarm batteries at least once each year (or as recommended by the manufacturer) and make sure that you have at least one operational fire extinguisher before the holiday season starts. Everyone should also test their alarms and inspect their fire extinguishers monthly."Do you have a fire extinguisherin your home?The holiday season will soon be upon us - Thanksgiving is coming and then Christmas.That usually means more cooking and baking than usual. Then we put out holiday decorations, candles, Christmas trees, and decorative lighting.  And if we're lucky, Mother Nature brings us snow for a White Christmas - but that means colder temperatures, so we break out a space heater to stay warm or light a fire in the fireplace. All of these things increase the risk of a home fire at this time of year.Statistics have shown that some of the most common fire causing elements are: cooking-related fires (kitchen fires)Cooking fires accounted for the largest percentage of home fires, an annual average of nearly 150,000 or 38.7 percent, from 2006 through 2008. the use of an extension cord or overloading extension cords the placement of electric heaters and open flame heaters too close to combustibles the accessibility of matches and lighters to small children Many home fires can be stopped before they do significant damage if you have a fire extinguisher, KNOW WHERE it is located, and KNOW HOW to use it. A Monthly Fire Extinguisher Check should include the following: Located in designated place. No obstruction to access or visibility. Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward. Safety seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing. Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle. Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position. Fullness determined by weighing or hefting. Check the service tag - when was the extinguisher serviced last?     Home fire extinguishers should undergo an internal maintenance check at least every 6 years,     if they can be serviced (recharged).  If they are single-use (white pressure gauge), they     probably should be replaced with a serviceable fire extinguisher after 6 years. If you have any questions about your fire extinguisher, or service for it,  please contact us. Best Fire Equipment wants YOU to have a Happy, Fire Safe, Holiday Season. ...read more

The Napa Town and Country Fair starts today at 12 Noon and runs through Sunday, August 14, 2011.  Come on out and have some "Home Spun Fun"; stop by our Booth (right across from Chardonnay Hall) and say "Hi". Enter our drawing for a chance to win a seat in our monthly Hands-on Live Fire Extinguisher Training Class or a Free 5 Lb Fire Extinguisher. ...read more

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Fire season has arrived and with all the rain we've had this past spring, the wildfire fuel supply is at peak levels.  Now is the time to ensure that you have the proper DEFENSIBLE space around your property, especially if your living in a rural area. Most, if not all, Fire Districts recommend (and many REQUIRE) a MINIMUM cleared, defensible space of 100 Feet, or to your property line if less than 100 feet.  Check out the Cal Fire's Guide to make your home ready for fire season.  Go to this link: Wildfire Is COMING. Is Your Home Ready? Best Fire Equipment is running a sale on our main website on Foam-Fast Wildfire Pre-treatment Kits and accessories. Foam-Fast is an easy-to-use, affordable, Class-A foam applicator for pre-treatment during the threat of wildfire or while performing other hazardous activities such as managing burn piles, mowing or weed trimming. Class-A foam has been used for decades by professional firefighters.  Class-A foam facilitates wetting of Class-A fuels (wooden structures, shrubs, trees, etc.) by lowering the surface tension of the water and assisting with the water's saturation of the fuels.  The resulting "foamy water" aids in fire suppression by preventing ignition. The Foam-Fast applicator is a new way for anyone with a garden or fire hose to produce Class-A "foamy water", suitable for protecting Class-A fuels from the threat of fire. Simply place a foam cartridge in the applicator, attach the applicator to a hose, and your Foam-Fast applicator is ready to operate! Check it out on our website or our You-Tube Channel. Be Safe - Be Prepared ...read more

Best Fire Equipment joins with organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and  the American Red Cross to encourage states, cities, towns and workplaces to establish programs that provide CPR and AED training and increase public access to AEDs. Are you ready if Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) strikes? Sudden Cardiac Arrest— SCA is a sudden or unexpected cessation of heart function, most often caused by a sudden arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF). When this occurs, the heart’s electrical impulses suddenly become chaotic and ineffective. Blood flow to the brain abruptly stops and the victim collapses and quickly loses consciousness. Death usually follows unless a normal heart rhythm is restored within minutes. VF —Ventricular fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia among cardiac arrest victims; during VF the heart’s electrical impulses suddenly become chaotic and ineffective. Consider the essential safety equipment used to protect your employees, guests, and loved ones in case of an emergency: Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags, First Aid Kits.  Would you be without any of these? Now consider the likelihood of needing this equipment. Anyone who wants a safer home or work place should consider AEDs right along with these items. Considering that over 300,000 people suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in the United States every year and over 200,000 deaths occur as a result, having access to an AED in the first few critical minutes, could significantly increase a person's chance of survival. Time is Critical Early defibrillation combined with CPR can improve survival rates to as high as 74% when defibrillation is provided within three minutes of collapse. 1.  For every minute that elapses between     sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation,     the chance of survival decreases 7 to 10%. 2. That’s why access to an automated external     defibrillator (AED) can make the difference     between life and death. The Chain of Survival More people survive sudden cardiac arrest when a certain sequence of events happens as quickly as possible. This series of steps is called the Chain of Survival. ■ Early Access: Recognizing that a cardiovascular emergency exists and immediately notifying the     EMS (Emergency Medical Services) system is a key element. In most communities, phoning 911     accesses the EMS system. ■ Early CPR: Starting CPR immediately after cardiac arrest to circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital     organs buys time for the victim until defibrillation can be given. ■ Early Defibrillation: Defibrillation of the victim as soon as equipment arrives. ■ Early Advanced Care: Trained healthcare providers arriving quickly to administer advanced     lifesaving interventions. Best Fire Equipment would like to partner with YOU to ensure that YOUR Chain of Survival doesn't have any broken links! Four Key Elements in a Successful AED Program. 1. Selecting, Placing and Maintaining AEDs Best Fire Equipment provides this service to all of our AED Program customers, just like we do for our Fire Extinguisher customers. We will assist our customers with the selection of an AED that best fits their situation. We are an authorized distributor for 4 of the most reliable and cost-effective AEDs on the market: HeartSine® samaritan® Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) Physio-Control (Medtronic) LifePak CR-Plus and LifePak Express AEDs Philips HeartStart OnSite and HeartStart FRx AEDs Defibtech LifeLine and LifeLine View AEDs We will assist with or perform the installation and placement of AEDs in the most effective locations within your facility. We will provide on-going maintenance and tracking of AEDs and accessories to ensure they are up-to-date per the manufacturers recommendations. We will assist with or provide a sample program document with the proper policies and procedures to ensure a successful deployment of the AEDs, as well as compliance with all local, state and federal guidelines. 2. Notifying the Local EMS Agency     Best Fire Equipment provides this service to all of our AED Program customers. 3. Training - Initial and On-going     Anyone expected to use an AED should be trained in how to use it and trained in CPR.     Best Fire Equipment has a list of recommended Training providers and contacts that are approved by     the AHA and the Red Cross. 4. Medical Oversight:     Having a medical professional oversee the program and quality improvements, and perform post-event     reviews.     Best Fire Equipment has established contacts with individuals/organizations experienced in providing     medical oversight of AED Programs. Please contact us for more information about AEDs and our AED programs. Let's be prepared to SAVE A LIFE ! ...read more

Best Fire Celebrates Start of 35th Year in Business See the story here. http://napavalleyregister.com/business/article_030817ac-6576-11e0-abf5-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=story ...read more

Top 10 Areas Cited by OSHA in 2010 OSHA has released its "Top 10" list of the OSHA standards that were most frequently violated in 2010. They included:     1. 1926.451    Scaffolding    2. 1926.501    Fall Protection    3. 1910.1200  Hazard Communication    4. 1910.134    Respiratory Protection    5. 1926.1053  Ladders    6. 1910.147    Lockout/Tagout    7. 1910.305    Electrical, Wiring Methods    8. 1910.178    Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts, etc.)    9. 1910.303    Electrical General Requirement  10. 1910.212    Machine Guarding Best Fire Equipment can provide video training and compliance programs on all of these topics  to help you avoid OSHA violations.  For more information about the programs, contactsales@bestfireco.comor visit our main website athttp://www.bestfireco.com/ ...read more

Best Fire Equipment offers three (3) ways for employers to satisfy the OSHA 1910.157(g)(1) requirement for annual employee training on the use of fire extinguishers. On-Site Live-Fire Extinguisher Training Classes The Hands-on Live-Fire Extinguisher Training provides the knowledge and instills the "I've Done THAT" confidence  in your employees that they CAN put a fire out with an extinguisher. That confidence cannot be attained by watching a video or a show-and-tell demo. The Hands-on Live-Fire Extinguisher Training Classes are conducted On-Site at your facility OR at our Napa Service Center.  The On-site classes can accommodate 20-30 participants in each session, which typically run for about 1 hour. Best Fire Service Center - Live-Fire Extinguisher Training Classes This class will be held at our Napa Service Center and will typically be conducted on one Saturday a month, depending on demand and the weather.  Class size at our service center is limited to 10 participants per session. This will allow anyone that cannot justify Live-Fire training for all employees, to have someone on their staff fully trained to conduct their own in-house training sessions. (The class will be open to anyone who wishes to participate.)  The class may be used, in conjunction with our Video Training programs, as a Train-the-Trainer class.    The cost for this class will be $25.00 per person and all equipment is provided by Best Fire Equipment. Video Safety and Regulatory Compliance Training Programs We have also partnered with a leading supplier of Safety and Regulatory Compliance training programs. We can provide DVD Video Programs and Safety Meeting Kits (both include a complete Instructors guide, along with the video and other training material and handouts). Many of these programs are available in Spanish as well as English.  There are also CD-ROM based courses and On-Line "Pay-per-view" courses available on over 100 different topics. For customers that already have a video safety training library, there is also a "trade-in" program. Now, instead of throwing out all of those old videotapes in your training library, you can trade them in for new, Up-to-Date DVD programs. For every videotape that you return, from any producer, you can purchase any DVD from Best Fire Equipment's Training Video library for 50% off the normal list price. For more information on these options, please visit our website: Services Page - http://www.bestfireco.com/Services Training Page - http://www.bestfireco.com/Training Video Previews are available on our website. Please let me know if you would like to pursue any of these options for training your staff. ...read more

October is National Fire Prevention MonthDo YOU know How to survive a nighttime house fire?MSNBC TODAY's consumer correspondent, Janice Lieberman, reveals life-saving procedures that can help save you and your family in the event of a nighttime house fire.Click this link to learn more: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/39497984#39497984 Do you know E.D.I.T.H. ? Do you have anE.D.I.T.H. at your home ? Everyone should practiceExit Drills In The Hometwice a year andhave aDesignated Emergency Meeting Place OUTSIDEyour home. ...read more

Safety Training Video Trade-In Program Trade-In Your Old Videotape Safety Programs for New DVDs! Now, instead of throwing out all of those old videotapes in your training library, you can trade them in for new, up-to-date DVD programs. For every videotape that you return...from any producer... you can purchase any DVD fromBest Fire Equipment'sMARCOM Training Video library for50% offthe normal list price. Select from over 115 safety, regulatory compliance and human resource programs, most of which areavailable in Spanish as well as English.To participate in the program, all you have to do is: Determine how many videotapes you want to trade in... there is no limit.Remember, you can trade-in videotapes fromany producer. For each videotape that you trade-in, select one DVD from Best Fire Equipment's MARCOM Training Video library.The DVD that you selectdoes nothave to be on the same topic as the videotape that you are trading in.You can select either English or Spanish versions of the DVDs.Use the form at this page to make your selections -Safety Video Trade-In Program After you have completed selecting the DVDs that you want, fill in your purchase order or credit card number, contact and shipping information. To ensure that you get the proper Trade-In Credit, at the bottom of the page where it says:Referred by a MARCOM distributor (enter distributor's name),Enter:Best Fire Equipment As soon as Marcom receives your order, they will contact you to verify the information that you have filled in and arrange to ship the DVDs to you. If you have any questions about the "Trade-In Program", just call Michelle Black or Jen Manning in the Customer Support Group at (800) 654-2448, ext. 1. If you have any questions about the programs, or would like to preview some of them,contact Ken Ott at Best Fire Equipment (ken.ott@bestfireco.com) or visit theBest Fire Equipment website. ...read more

Fire season has arrived and with all the rain we've had this past spring, the wildfire fuel supply is at peak levels that we haven't seen in years.  Now is the time to ensure that you have the proper DEFENSIBLE space around your property, especially if your living in a rural area. Most, if not all, Fire Districts recommend (and many REQUIRE) a MINIMUM cleared, defensible space of 100 Feet, or to your property line if less than 100 feet.  Check out the Cal Fire's Guide to make your home ready for fire season. Go to this link: Wildfire Is COMING. Is Your Home Ready? There is a Right Way and a Wrong Way to create that defensible space. Here's how to do it the Right Way: Do all yard maintenance that requires a gas or electrical motor before 10 a.m.Not in the heat of the day, or when the wind is blowing! Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns.Don't use your lawn mowers to clear dry vegetation. Use a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass.REMOVE all dry weeds, grass, and brush for at least 30 feet from your home.  Don't just mow it down. Remove rocks and any metal debris that may be in the area before you begin operating any equipment.A rock hidden in grass or weeds is enough to start a fire when struck by a metal blade. In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment including tractors, harvesters, chain saws, weedeaters, mowers, motorcycles, and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup. Use the recommended grade of fuel and don't top off. Be especially careful when refilling in close proximity to dry grass, weeds or other vegetation. Keep the engine free of oil and dust, and keep the mower free of flammable materials. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you won't even see, until it's too late! Don't drive your car or truck off into dry grass or brush.The catalytic converter can be hot enough to ignite dry grass. Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.Make the call BEFORE you attempt to put a grass or brushfire out. Carry a fire extinguisher in or on your vehicle - and - know how and when to use it.Water extinguishers work best on grass or brush. A 5 Lb or larger Dry Chemical will work if the fire is small and not spreading. Are you going camping this summer?     Here's a link to some safety tips for campers whether it be RV Camping or Tent Camping.     Camping and Campfire Safety     http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/Camping.pdf Have a Great 4th of July and a Great, FIRE-SAFE Summer. And if you need a fire extinguisher, or need one serviced, give us a call or stop by our shop.  Mention that you saw our Blog on Merchant Circle too or bring in our coupon and save a buck. ...read more

How To Inspect Your Fire Extinguishers Monthly Inspection Know the locations of the fire extinguishers in your area and make sure they are in the designated place. Make sure the type of extinguisher is safe to use on fires likely to occur in the immediate area. Make sure the access or visibility to the fire extinguisher is not obstructed. Make sure the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward. Make sure the safety seal or tamper indicator is not broken or missing. Make sure the extinguisher feels full by lifting or "hefting" Examine for any obvious physical damage. Make sure the hose or nozzle isn't obstructed (spiders like to nest in them). Make sure the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position. If inspection reveals a discrepancy - call a fire extinguisher service company to correct the deficiency. Annual Maintenance All Portable Fire Extinguishers should be maintained annually by a qualified and trained fire extinguisher service agency. In California, fire extinguisher service companies and technicians are required to be licensed by the State Fire Marshal and all service procedures are to be in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 3. ...read more

The following questions were collected from our website visitors. Q: How often must fire extinguishers be tested and tagged?     The California State Fire Marshal and most if not all AHJ's (Authority Having Jurisdiction, i.e. county     or city fire marshals) have adopted the National Fire Protection Association's recommendations (NFPA-10)     for portable fire extinguishers and codified them in the California Health and Safety Code, Title 19,     Sections 13160-13190, for businesses.     Fire extinguishers should be given a visual check monthly by the owner or building occupant     or their designated representative, and this check should be recorded on a tag attached to the extinguisher.     Fire extinguishers must be inspected by a state-licensed fire extinguisher service company as follows:     Annually - starting from the date they are first placed in service, or date they are manufactured.     Every 5 or 6 years from the date of manufacture (depending on the type of extinguisher), they must be     serviced internally.  This is typically referred to as "6 year Maintenance" or "Tear Down" Maintenance.      Exception: Vehicle-mounted extinguishers (truck, boat, forklift, etc.) must be serviced internally     every year.     Every 12 years (5 years for vehicle-mounted extinguishers) from date of manufacture (or last hydrotest),     the cylinders must be hydrotested.     See our Blog Post of November 03, 2009: FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES REQUIRED BY CODES for     details of each of these tests/services. Q: Am i required to inspect a new fire extinguisher?     Yes. Fire extinguishers should be given a visual check monthly by the owner or building occupant or their     designated representative, and this check should be recorded on a tag attached to the extinguisher. Q: In California, how often must a business recharge fire extinguishers?     Technically, fire extinguishers only need to be recharged after they have been discharged or used.     They do require annual inspections and other services.      See our Blog Post of November 03, 2009: FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES REQUIRED BY CODES for     details of each of these tests/services. Q: How often are extinguisher tear downs done?         Every 5 or 6 years from the date of manufacture (depending on the type of extinguisher), they must be     serviced internally.  This is typically referred to as "6 year Maintenance" or "Tear Down" Maintenance.          Exception: Vehicle-mounted extinguishers (truck, boat, forklift, etc.) must be serviced         internally every year. Q: Does a 2:A-10:BC dry chemical need six-year maintenance?        Yes. See above. Q: What size fire extinguishers do i need for company trucks?     Most vehicles that are required to have fire extinguishers in them will have 2.5 Lb ABC extinguishers.     5 Lb, or larger, extinguishers may be required by some jurisdictions, or job sites.  This also varies by the     type of truck and the cargo being transported.  Obviously a Gasoline Tanker would carry a larger extinguisher     than a local delivery van. Q: Do forklift fire extinguishers need annual inspections?     Yes.  All fire extinguishers used in a place of business require annual inspections and periodic internal     maintenance.     Vehicle-mounted extinguishers (truck, boat, forklift, etc.) must be serviced internally every year. Q: What is the maximum pressure inside of fire extinguishers?     Fire extinguishers are typically charged to an "operating pressure" of 195 psi.     During hydrotesting, they are pressurized to 585 psi.     This can vary with the extinguisher type and manufacturer and this information should be on the     manufacturers' nameplate label on all fire extinguishers. Q: What is hydrostatic testing for fire extinguishers?     See our Blog Post of November 03, 2009: FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES REQUIRED BY CODES for     details of this test/service. Q: Do all new fire extinguishers come with a hydrostatic test date from the manufacturer?     Essentially, YES.  All extinguishers are hydrotested at the time of manufacture. The Date of Manufacture     is either stamped or embossed on the extinguisher shell or the manufacturer's nameplate label.  Q: What are the basic steps in performing a hydrostatic test on an extinguisher cylinder ?        See our Blog Post of November 03, 2009: FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES REQUIRED BY CODES for     details of this test/service. Q: How often to hydrotest cartridge-operated fire extinguishers?     Cartridge-operated fire extinguishers must be hydrotested every 12 years.     Vehicle-mounted extinguishers (truck, boat, forklift, etc.) must be serviced internally every year     and hydrotested at 5 year intervals. Q: Why do wet chemical (K-Type) fire extinguishers need to have agent replaced?     In accordance with NFPA-10, the re-use of wet chemical extinguishing agents is not permitted. Any     remaining agent in the cylinder must be completely emptied and properly discarded.     Wet chemical charges are typically replaced on a 5 year cycle coinciding with the hydrotest requirements     for this type of extinguisher. Because of potential performance or detrimental material compatibility problems     which may occur , only the wet chemical concentrate extinguishing agent specified on the extinguisher     nameplate and clean potable fresh water may be utilized for recharge.     If you have any other questions, please call or write us.  ...read more