Should I Test My Fire Extinguishers?

In 2025, fire safety regulations are more rigorous than ever, putting extra pressure on property managers and business owners to stay compliant. Coordinating separate vendors for each service can lead to communication issues, missed deadlines, and higher costs.

Looking for a better way? Consolidate all your fire safety needs under one dependable provider—1st Option Fire Protection. Centralizing services makes inspections simpler, reduces expenses, and ensures your property remains fully protected.

Call us today for a professional Fire Contractor in Houston: (346)528-5971

When you’re safeguarding your property from fire hazards, choosing the right fire alarm system is a critical decision. There are two main types of fire alarm systems: universal and proprietary. While both aim to ensure safety and compliance, universal fire alarm systems offer clear advantages, making them a more cost-effective choice for both residential and commercial properties.

Generally, a fire alarm system will serve you effectively for about 10 to 15 years—assuming it receives consistent maintenance. However, inadequate care can lead to earlier malfunctions and inefficiencies. Additionally, if your building undergoes renovations or expansions, you might need to bring your system up to the latest fire safety standards. For best results, plan on replacing your fire alarm system every 10 years or sooner.

To keep your system compliant and protect your building, schedule routine inspections and maintenance at least every three to six months. You should also test your detectors once a month to ensure they’re functioning properly. Regular testing reduces the risk of catastrophic loss by confirming your system’s readiness. If you need assistance from a reliable fire contractor, give us a call at 346-528-5971.

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Inadequate maintenance is often a key factor in fire sprinkler system failures. To keep these systems dependable, it’s essential to follow the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) protocols outlined in NFPA 25, the standard for water-based fire protection systems. Systems subjected to cold conditions face heightened risks. In this guide, we’ll walk through effective winterization steps. If you need immediate assistance, contact 1st Option Fire Protection at (346) 528-5971.

As temperatures drop, certain areas that go unnoticed during warmer months may become vulnerable. These include entryways, stairwells, large vacant rooms, skylights, and poorly insulated spaces.

In locations where maintaining at least 40°F isn’t possible, dry pipe or antifreeze sprinkler systems are commonly used. These setups may require more in-depth evaluations and ongoing upkeep to prevent freezing. For expert help with installation, maintenance, or service in the Houston area, give us a call at (346) 528-5971.

Before winter sets in, test antifreeze systems to ensure the antifreeze solution can handle the expected low temperatures. If it’s not sufficiently protective, it must be drained and replaced with an antifreeze solution that meets NFPA 25, section 5.3.4 requirements.

Keep the wet portions of the dry pipe valve at or above 40°F. Inspect the enclosure daily to confirm the proper temperature is maintained, or weekly if a low-temperature alarm is installed. Low point and auxiliary drains should be emptied after each system operation, before freezing weather hits, and as needed thereafter.

The frequency of draining during cold weather depends on the system’s condensation levels. This could mean daily, weekly, or monthly checks. Our team of professional fire contractors serving the Houston Metroplex can handle these services—just call us at (346) 528-5971.

Steps to Winterize a Fire Sprinkler System:

1. Close the upper valve.

2. Open the lower valve to drain accumulated water.

3. Close the lower valve, reopen the upper valve, and allow more water to gather.

4. Repeat until no more water is released.

5. Once finished, replace the plug or nipple and cap on the lower valve.

Cold weather can create significant challenges for the fire protection industry. Without proper maintenance, fire protection systems may freeze, burst, or fail to operate during an emergency. Ensuring these systems are properly cared for is critical to their reliable performance.

If you want to keep your property protected throughout the year, turn to 1st Option Fire Protection. With more than two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing both residential and commercial fire protection systems, we serve clients across Texas. For more information or to safeguard your home or business, call (346) 528-5971 today.

A fire alarm system is a network of devices designed to detect fires in their earliest stages, using heat or smoke as warnings. These devices can be connected to a central panel to activate audible alarms to notify the building's occupants and local fire department.

If you need these services give us a call today at (346)528-5981.

Ensuring the safety of your business from fire hazards is crucial. While many businesses are equipped with fire alarms, integrating fire alarm monitoring takes your fire protection to a higher level. But what exactly does this entail, and how does it enhance your safety plan?

Let’s take a closer look at what fire alarm monitoring involves and why it’s essential for safeguarding your employees and property.

Give us a call today at (346)528-5971.

When preparing for a Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Inspection, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that kitchen hood fire suppression systems be professionally inspected at least twice a year by a qualified technician to check for grease accumulation.

The inspection involves a comprehensive review of several key components of the fire suppression system, including:

• Hood

• Grease removal devices

• Fans

• Ducts

When trying to decide which fire extinguisher is best for your property or business, you may feel overwhelmed from the many options available. At 1st Option Fire Protection, our goal is to make this process as seamless as possible for our clients. Whether you need information regarding general fire safety or fire extinguisher installation, feel free to contact us today at  (346)528-5971.

When it comes to ensuring safety and compliance for any commercial building project in Houston, having a fire alarm system installed during the process is crucial. The installation involves several stages, from initial planning to the final inspection, which requires approved plans that you may already possess. In this blog, we will outline the steps involved in commercial fire alarm installation and what you can expect throughout the process, as well as how 1st Option Fire Protection can assist you. If you're interested in a free consultation, feel free to call us today at (346)528-5971.