As the February chill settles over the Seacoast and Greater Manchester, most property owners are focused on snow removal and heating bills. However, there is a “hidden” winter risk that can lead to catastrophic property damage or life-safety failures: frozen fire sprinkler pipes.
At LHR Fire Protection, we see a significant spike in emergency calls during February. Whether it’s a burst pipe in an unheated attic or a “misfiring” alarm system triggered by extreme temperature fluctuations, your fire protection strategy needs a winter health check.
Here is why you should prioritize your fire safety systems this month and how LHR Fire Protection keeps your property compliant.
The February Risk: Frozen Pipes and System Failure
In New Hampshire and Maine, February temperatures often plummet well below freezing. For buildings with Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems, this is a danger zone. If a portion of your piping is located in a drafty area, a warehouse, or an insulated attic that has lost its “heat seal,” the water inside can freeze.
- The Damage: Ice expands, cracking iron or CPVC pipes. You might not notice the break until the thaw begins, leading to massive water damage.
- The Solution: LHR Fire Protection specializes in Dry Pipe Systems for cold-storage areas and offers comprehensive winterization inspections to identify “cold spots” in your current wet system.
Is Your Fire Alarm Winter-Ready?
Cold weather doesn’t just affect pipes; it affects electronics. Condensation from heating systems can cause “nuisance alarms” or corrosion in fire alarm sensors. Furthermore, if you rely on battery backups for your emergency lighting (E-lights), remember that extreme cold can reduce battery efficiency by up to 50%.
Ensuring your Fire Alarm System and Emergency Lighting are inspected in February ensures that if a winter storm knocks out your power, your path to safety remains illuminated.
Why Choose LHR Fire Protection This Winter?
We aren’t just a service provider; we are your neighbors. Based in Raymond, NH, we serve a wide radius including:
- Southern New Hampshire: Manchester, Bedford, Nashua, and the Seacoast.
- Northern Massachusetts: Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill.
- Southern Maine: Kittery, York, and Portland.
Our February Service Specials Include:
- Main Drain Testing: We ensure there are no obstructions in your water supply and that pressure is optimal despite the cold.
- Anti-Freeze Solution Checks: For systems using anti-freeze loops, we test the concentration levels to ensure they meet NFPA requirements and won’t freeze.
- Kitchen Hood Suppression: With more people cooking indoors during the winter months, ensuring your commercial kitchen hood is grease-free and functional is vital.
Don’t Wait for the Drip
A leaking sprinkler head or a “trouble” light on your fire panel shouldn’t be ignored. LHR Fire Protection offers 24/7 Emergency Service to handle leaks, misfires, and system failures immediately.Protect your property and your peace of mind this February.Contact LHR Fire Protection today to schedule your winter inspection or call us at 603-309-2032.