Suppression Systems, Inc.

After a very successful Seminar and Trade Show in 2024, SFPE is excited to announce plans for the April 10, 2025 Seminar and Trade Show. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from 10 presentations and up to 5 sessions during the seminar, plus hearing from our Key Note Speaker, Doctor Jim Milke, P.E. Professor Emeritus of Fire Protection Engineering at University of Maryland “The Fire Protection Engineer Profession: Past, Present, and Future." When: Thursday, April 10, 2025 7:00 – 8:00 registration 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST Where: Sheraton – Valley Forge 480 North Gulph Road King of Prussia, Pa 19406 Unites States Scheduled Topics: ? James Lake: VP Training – Viking Corporation: Sprinkler Protection for Parking, Structures ? Jason Lupa: P.E. - Siemens: Tall Building Protection – Fire Control Center ? Michael Venneri P.E., SET, CFPS: Jacobs: Shaft Protection, Fire Service Access, Elevator Safety Code (NFPA 72) ? Todd Iaeger: Lead Auditor Specialist U.L. Solutions: An overview of Alarm Systems installed within Target Hazard Occupancies based on Model Codes and NFPA 72 ? Rob Sontag CFPS, CFPE, CFM, CHFM: Terp Consulting: An overview of NFPA 241 ? Thomas W. Gardner P.E., FSFPE, LEED AP: Harrington Group Inc.: Conflagration to Code – How Historic Building Fires Shaped Modern Codes ? Greg Jakubowski P.E. CSP, FSPE: Buckeye Partners, Phil Sconyo P.E.: IFSC:, Jeff LaSalle Principle F.P.E.: TLC Engineering Solutions, and Jeremy Searfoss IAAI-CFI(V), IAAI-ECT, IAAI-FIT, IAAI-CI, NAFI-CF, CFEI, CVFI, CFP: Fire Marshal, City of Reading: An AHJ Verses Developer Perspective ? John Denhardt P.E., FSFPE,: VP American Fire Sprinkler Association: Update to NFPA 13, 2025 Edition for Engineers ? Jeff Jackson M.B.A: Seismic Bracing Worldwide Business Director at nVent Caddy: An Overview of Seismic Technology ? Garth Dehoff: Honeywell, Fire Data Center and Mission Critical Solution Specialist: Changes in Air Sampling/ Changes in U.L. Standards Agenda: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast in Exhibit Hall 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Session 1 Presentations 9:05 AM – 10:05 AM Session 2 Presentations 10:10 AM – 10:50 AM Break 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Session 3 Key Note Speaker 11:50 AM – 1:15 PM Lunch 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM Session 4 Presentations 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM Session 5 Presentations 3:25 PM – 4:25 PM Session 6 Presentations PDH Certificates are provided for all sessions. The trade show will have over 30 vendors. Register: https://lnkd.in/ebFcqF4t =2402757 Event Cost is $100.00 (plus $3.00 Processing Fee) PROCEEDS TO FUND THE JOHN D. COOK, III AND PHILIP L. GAUGHAN SCHOLORSHIP FUNDS! As always, thank you for your support of the Philadelphia Society of Fire Protection Engineers!

Debbie Smith and Tammi Rabert made the trip to Fike Corporation's world headquarters last week!

?? Fire Suppression Myths vs. Facts: Are You Protected? ?? There’s a lot of misinformation out there about fire suppression systems—and that’s a problem. Misconceptions lead to delayed maintenance, system failures, and preventable fire damage in industrial facilities. Let’s set the record straight. Here are 3 common fire suppression myths—debunked. 1?? Myth: Fire sprinklers go off all at once. ?? Wrong! Many people believe that when one sprinkler head activates, the whole system goes off, flooding the entire facility. ? Fact: Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates. Each sprinkler head is heat-sensitive and designed to trigger individually. This minimizes water damage while stopping the fire before it spreads. 2?? Myth: Fire suppression systems don’t need maintenance. ?? Wrong! Just because a system was installed years ago doesn’t mean it’s still working properly today. ? Fact: Suppression systems require regular inspections to stay reliable. Blocked nozzles, degraded suppression agents, or a faulty detection system could leave your facility unprotected. Most fire suppression systems need professional inspections every 6-12 months to ensure they’ll work in an emergency. 3?? Myth: Water is the best way to suppress all fires. ?? Wrong! In some cases, using water can make a fire worse. ? Fact: Different fires require different suppression agents. Electrical fires? Use clean agent suppression to avoid equipment damage. Oil & grease fires? Use foam or dry chemical systems—water can spread the fire. Combustible dust fires? Water may cause a dust explosion. Specialized suppression is required. The Bottom Line: If you’re relying on outdated fire safety knowledge, you could be putting your facility at risk. ?? When was the last time your fire suppression system was inspected? ?? Comment below with any fire safety myths you’ve heard! ?? Repost to spread awareness—fire protection starts with the right information. #FireSafety #FireSuppression #FacilityManagement #IndustrialSafety #RiskPrevention

?? Explosion Risks Stumping You? Facility crews, safety leads, and plant heads—ever catch yourself staring at a dusty silo or a humming process line, wondering, “What if this goes up?” You’re not paranoid; you’re smart. Explosions don’t warn—they strike. At Suppression Systems, we’ve walked the floors—wood chip piles in North Carolina, paper dust in Mooresville—where one spark turned quiet into chaos, costing millions. You know the drill: combustible dust, sneaky gas leaks, pressure spikes—they’re not “if” risks; they’re “when.” You’re not alone if they nag at you. So, let’s do this together: a straight-up Q&A, no fluff, just answers from the front lines. Here’s what we’ve heard from folks like you—and what we’ve seen work: ?? “How bad is the dust in our silo?” Extremely Risky—grain or metal dust can ignite faster than you’d believe. Our explosion detection sensors spot those early pressure ticks, giving you a heads-up before the boom. We’ve seen them stop disasters cold. ? “Are venting panels worth it?” You bet. They’re like an escape hatch for pressure—burst open, release the force, keep your walls standing. We’ve rigged them for everything from warehouses to chem plants, and they’ve held the line. ?? “What’s the quickest way to kill a blast?” Our condensed aerosol suppression systems—they hit in milliseconds, flooding the zone to snuff it out before it spreads. No water, no ductwork, just fast action. We’re not guessing here—these are lessons from real sites, backed by our lab at Fike Corporation, where we test dust and tweak solutions. NFPA, OSHA, your insurer—they’re all in the mix, and we’ve got the playbook to match. Got a curveball question? This is your shot to throw it at us. Think about it: That one explosion risk—dust in the rafters, a shaky valve—doesn’t have to be a roll of the dice anymore. We’re not here to hawk gear; we’re here to hand you clarity, built on 20 years of seeing what works. Sensors that catch trouble early, vents that take the hit, aerosols that strike fast—these aren’t just tools; they’re how you keep your crew safe, your facility running, and your mind at ease. You’ve got enough fires to fight—literal and not—why let this one burn? Let’s turn “what if” into “we’ve got this.” Dig deeper at suppressionsystems.com if you want—but first, let’s talk. ?? So, what’s your explosion question? Toss it in the comments—big, small, offbeat, anything. “How do we test this?” “Where do we start?” We’ll dive in with straight answers, no nonsense. Let’s figure it out as a crew. ?? Know a safety pro or facility lead who’d jump on this? Repost it, tag them, share it wide—let’s get them in the huddle. ?? Like it, save it, pass it around—when we talk explosion risks, we all come out stronger. #ExplosionTalk #SafetyUnpacked #IndustryRealTalk

Manufacturing Leaders: Fire Alarms That Keep Your Plant Running Your fire alarm isn’t just a safety net—it’s a vital tool that protects your manufacturing uptime and bottom line. At SSI, we’ve been collaborating with plant leaders for 40 years, and we’ve seen how smarter fire protection turns risks into operational wins. Here’s why your fire alarm’s performance matters—and how to make it deliver for your facility. 1. Fast Alerts A fire alarm that triggers quickly keeps disruptions small and manageable. ? How soon can your team respond to a fire threat? ? Does it cover every critical production zone? ? Can it alert before smoke stalls your line? Fires in manufacturing can spread in moments—every second counts. Quick-response systems, like our Autocall panels, send alerts fast—giving your crew the edge to act before chaos hits. → TIP: Prioritize speed—early alerts save more than time. 2. Seamless Control A strong fire alarm keeps your plant in command, not in crisis. ? Can it coordinate a full-facility response? ? Will it keep false alarms from slowing you down? ? Does it integrate with your existing setup? Downtime kills momentum—smart alarms prevent that sting. Autocall’s command hub ties it all together, cutting confusion and keeping production steady. → TIP: Choose control—cohesion beats panic every time. 3. Equipment Safety A fire alarm that protects gear saves you from hefty repair bills. ? How well does it shield your machinery? ? Can it stop fires without extra damage? ? Will it keep small incidents from growing? Fires don’t just halt lines—they wreck assets. With Autocall’s precision, you’re stopping trouble early—less mess, less cost. → TIP: Protect your gear—small fires shouldn’t mean big fixes. Final Takeaway: ? Fast alerts keep disruptions in check. ? Seamless control keeps your plant humming. ? Equipment safety keeps your costs low. Miss one, and you’re risking more than safety—you’re risking your edge. ?? What’s your fire alarm’s strength—or weak spot? We’ve been at this since 1983, ready to help you turn risks into rewards. Throw us a comment—let’s figure it out together! ? Follow Suppression Systems Inc. for more fire system insights. ?? Repost this and tag a manufacturing leader who’d love this—let’s start chatting! #FireAlarmWins #ManufacturingStrong #SuppressionSystems

7 Signs Your Fire Safety Strategy Is Failing (And What to Do About It) ?? Nobody sets out to have a fire safety plan that doesn’t work. But in the real world, safety gets pushed to the back burner—until it’s too late. Most businesses assume their fire suppression system is ready when needed, but we’ve seen time and time again that isn’t always the case. Here are 7 warning signs your fire safety strategy might be failing (and how to fix them): 1?? You assume your fire suppression system is fine—because no one has checked it in years. ?? The Fix: Suppression systems should be professionally inspected every 6-12 months to ensure they’ll work when it matters. 2?? There’s dust, debris, or equipment blocking fire suppression nozzles. ?? The Fix: Fire suppression can’t work if the agent can’t reach the fire. Keep nozzles and sprinklers clear of obstructions at all times. 3?? Your fire exits and evacuation routes double as storage space. ?? The Fix: Cluttered exits slow evacuations. Keep all fire exits and pathways 100% clear—your team’s safety depends on it. 4?? Your employees don’t know how the suppression system works. ?? The Fix: If your team doesn’t know what to do when a fire starts, the system alone won’t save you. Train employees regularly on emergency response. 5?? Your electrical system hasn’t been inspected in years. ?? The Fix: Electrical failures are a leading cause of industrial fires. Routine inspections help prevent overheating, sparks, and fire hazards. 6?? You store flammable materials wherever there’s space. ?? The Fix: Flammable liquids, chemicals, and materials need to be properly labeled, stored, and kept away from ignition sources. 7?? Your facility relies on outdated or non-compliant equipment. ?? The Fix: If your system doesn’t meet modern fire codes, you could be one incident away from a disaster—and serious liability. Stay up to date. Fire Safety Isn’t Just a Box to Check—It’s an Ongoing Responsibility A fire suppression system alone isn’t enough—if maintenance, training, and compliance aren’t prioritized, your protection plan isn’t a plan at all. ?? We answer any fire suppression / fire system question in the comments! ?? Repost to spread awareness—because fire safety should never be an afterthought. #FireSafety #FireSuppression #FacilityManagement #IndustrialSafety #RiskPrevention

Manufacturing Leaders: Fire Alarms That Keep Your Plant Running Your fire alarm isn’t just a safety net—it’s a vital tool that protects your manufacturing uptime and bottom line. At SSI, we’ve been collaborating with plant leaders for 40 years, and we’ve seen how smarter fire protection turns risks into operational wins. Here’s why your fire alarm’s performance matters—and how to make it deliver for your facility. 1. Fast Alerts A fire alarm that triggers quickly keeps disruptions small and manageable. ? How soon can your team respond to a fire threat? ? Does it cover every critical production zone? ? Can it alert before smoke stalls your line? Fires in manufacturing can spread in moments—every second counts. Quick-response systems, like our Autocall panels, send alerts fast—giving your crew the edge to act before chaos hits. → TIP: Prioritize speed—early alerts save more than time. 2. Seamless Control A strong fire alarm keeps your plant in command, not in crisis. ? Can it coordinate a full-facility response? ? Will it keep false alarms from slowing you down? ? Does it integrate with your existing setup? Downtime kills momentum—smart alarms prevent that sting. Autocall’s command hub ties it all together, cutting confusion and keeping production steady. → TIP: Choose control—cohesion beats panic every time. 3. Equipment Safety A fire alarm that protects gear saves you from hefty repair bills. ? How well does it shield your machinery? ? Can it stop fires without extra damage? ? Will it keep small incidents from growing? Fires don’t just halt lines—they wreck assets. With Autocall’s precision, you’re stopping trouble early—less mess, less cost. → TIP: Protect your gear—small fires shouldn’t mean big fixes. Final Takeaway: ? Fast alerts keep disruptions in check. ? Seamless control keeps your plant humming. ? Equipment safety keeps your costs low. Miss one, and you’re risking more than safety—you’re risking your edge. ?? What’s your fire alarm’s strength—or weak spot? We’ve been at this since 1983, ready to help you turn risks into rewards. Throw us a comment—let’s figure it out together! ? Follow Suppression Systems Inc. for more fire system insights. ?? Repost this and tag a manufacturing leader who’d love this—let’s start chatting! #FireAlarmWins #ManufacturingStrong #SuppressionSystems

?? Explosion Risks Stumping You? Facility crews, safety leads, and plant heads—ever catch yourself staring at a dusty silo or a humming process line, wondering, “What if this goes up?” You’re not paranoid; you’re smart. Explosions don’t warn—they strike. At Suppression Systems, we’ve walked the floors—wood chip piles in North Carolina, paper dust in Mooresville—where one spark turned quiet into chaos, costing millions. You know the drill: combustible dust, sneaky gas leaks, pressure spikes—they’re not “if” risks; they’re “when.” You’re not alone if they nag at you. So, let’s do this together: a straight-up Q&A, no fluff, just answers from the front lines. Here’s what we’ve heard from folks like you—and what we’ve seen work: ?? “How bad is the dust in our silo?” Extremely Risky—grain or metal dust can ignite faster than you’d believe. Our explosion detection sensors spot those early pressure ticks, giving you a heads-up before the boom. We’ve seen them stop disasters cold. ? “Are venting panels worth it?” You bet. They’re like an escape hatch for pressure—burst open, release the force, keep your walls standing. We’ve rigged them for everything from warehouses to chem plants, and they’ve held the line. ?? “What’s the quickest way to kill a blast?” Our condensed aerosol suppression systems—they hit in milliseconds, flooding the zone to snuff it out before it spreads. No water, no ductwork, just fast action. We’re not guessing here—these are lessons from real sites, backed by our lab at Fike Corporation, where we test dust and tweak solutions. NFPA, OSHA, your insurer—they’re all in the mix, and we’ve got the playbook to match. Got a curveball question? This is your shot to throw it at us. Think about it: That one explosion risk—dust in the rafters, a shaky valve—doesn’t have to be a roll of the dice anymore. We’re not here to hawk gear; we’re here to hand you clarity, built on 20 years of seeing what works. Sensors that catch trouble early, vents that take the hit, aerosols that strike fast—these aren’t just tools; they’re how you keep your crew safe, your facility running, and your mind at ease. You’ve got enough fires to fight—literal and not—why let this one burn? Let’s turn “what if” into “we’ve got this.” Dig deeper at suppressionsystems.com if you want—but first, let’s talk. ?? So, what’s your explosion question? Toss it in the comments—big, small, offbeat, anything. “How do we test this?” “Where do we start?” We’ll dive in with straight answers, no nonsense. Let’s figure it out as a crew. ?? Know a safety pro or facility lead who’d jump on this? Repost it, tag them, share it wide—let’s get them in the huddle. ?? Like it, save it, pass it around—when we talk explosion risks, we all come out stronger. #ExplosionTalk #SafetyUnpacked #IndustryRealTalk

7 Signs Your Fire Safety Strategy Is Failing (And What to Do About It) ?? Nobody sets out to have a fire safety plan that doesn’t work. But in the real world, safety gets pushed to the back burner—until it’s too late. Most businesses assume their fire suppression system is ready when needed, but we’ve seen time and time again that isn’t always the case. Here are 7 warning signs your fire safety strategy might be failing (and how to fix them): 1?? You assume your fire suppression system is fine—because no one has checked it in years. ?? The Fix: Suppression systems should be professionally inspected every 6-12 months to ensure they’ll work when it matters. 2?? There’s dust, debris, or equipment blocking fire suppression nozzles. ?? The Fix: Fire suppression can’t work if the agent can’t reach the fire. Keep nozzles and sprinklers clear of obstructions at all times. 3?? Your fire exits and evacuation routes double as storage space. ?? The Fix: Cluttered exits slow evacuations. Keep all fire exits and pathways 100% clear—your team’s safety depends on it. 4?? Your employees don’t know how the suppression system works. ?? The Fix: If your team doesn’t know what to do when a fire starts, the system alone won’t save you. Train employees regularly on emergency response. 5?? Your electrical system hasn’t been inspected in years. ?? The Fix: Electrical failures are a leading cause of industrial fires. Routine inspections help prevent overheating, sparks, and fire hazards. 6?? You store flammable materials wherever there’s space. ?? The Fix: Flammable liquids, chemicals, and materials need to be properly labeled, stored, and kept away from ignition sources. 7?? Your facility relies on outdated or non-compliant equipment. ?? The Fix: If your system doesn’t meet modern fire codes, you could be one incident away from a disaster—and serious liability. Stay up to date. Fire Safety Isn’t Just a Box to Check—It’s an Ongoing Responsibility A fire suppression system alone isn’t enough—if maintenance, training, and compliance aren’t prioritized, your protection plan isn’t a plan at all. ?? We answer any fire suppression / fire system question in the comments! ?? Repost to spread awareness—because fire safety should never be an afterthought. #FireSafety #FireSuppression #FacilityManagement #IndustrialSafety #RiskPrevention

Imagine this: You’re in charge of a manufacturing facility. It’s a regular day, everything’s running smoothly… until suddenly, you smell smoke. ?? A small electrical fire breaks out near the production line. Now, the clock is ticking, and you’ve got seconds to make a decision. ?? What do you do next? A) Pull the fire alarm and hope the sprinklers kick in? B) Shut down operations, grab the extinguisher, and handle it yourself? C) Trust your fire suppression system to handle it and prevent a bigger disaster? Give yourself 10 seconds to answer... Tick, tick, tick. Here’s the reality: The fire spread way faster than anyone expected, catching flammable materials nearby. Employees didn’t notice the fire right away, losing valuable time to respond. Had the sprinkler system gone off, it could have caused millions of dollars in water damage to your equipment. Most of the time, fire suppression systems fail not because of a sudden breakdown, but because of small, unnoticed issues that build up over time. Take a look at what could be hiding behind the scenes: ?? Clogged nozzles – Dust, grime, and corrosion can block the nozzles slowly over time, leaving the system ineffective when you need it. ?? Leaky cylinders – A slow loss of pressure that no one notices until it’s too late. ?? Old system designs – A system that was great for yesterday’s risks, but today’s challenges might be different. And then, when a fire breaks out? Your system does nothing. Now, here’s the real question: When was the last time you had a full, thorough inspection? Not a quick check, but a deep dive to make sure everything is functioning the way it’s supposed to. If you can’t remember, it might be time to take a closer look. ----- ?? What’s the most common fire safety issue you’ve seen overlooked in your industry? Let’s hear it in the comments. Repost and like if you guessed C! (correct answer) #FireSafety #FireSuppression #FacilityManagement #RiskManagement #IndustrialProtection