A fire doesn’t care how much money you have or how your day is going.

When it strikes it leaves confusion and destruction in its wake. This pervasive logic is why you see fire preparation and protection services established in every sector of society, from simple alarms in motels to fire and emergency services equipment in the defense sector. An important aspect concerning firefighting equipment is how it’s constantly developing, ever moving toward more sensitive early warning detection protocol to protect investments and people’s lives. As defense contractors it’s your job to be the first and last line between everyday people and this common hazard.

How can you make sure your fire and emergency services are up to par?

Did You Know?

Firefighting equipment has seen a boost in sales recently. From the wildfires in California to growing concern about saving money on damage, it’s a veritable landslide of activity to keep up with. The fiscal year of 2017 saw government buyers spending over $1 billion through the GSA Security Schedule. This includes over 100 subcategories, also known as Special Item Numbers (SINs), alongside GSA’s Buildings and Building Materials Schedule 56 Contract. These all provide the federal government with a reliable source of quality industrial services for day-to-day life.

Crash And Rescue

Fire and emergency services equipment stretch across several categories. Crash and rescue is one that needs to be kept on-hand due to the inherently reactive nature of the field. The GSA procures over 65,000 vehicles every year, amounting to at least $1 billion in high-quality vehicle and automotive services for transportation, emergency and evacuation. The gear bag is a staple of any rescue operation, containing all the basics to be grabbed at will, and should always come with light apparel to shield both the face and body from hazardous environments.

Hazardous Materials

Another area that can see high-rise fires is the field of hazardous materials. These range from oil spills to multiple truck pile-ups to data centers being compromised. No matter the source of the fire, a few commonalities hold true. Alarms need to be kept working at all times, no matter what, and should be customized to suit the area (such as data center’s early warning model). Hazardous materials also contaminate the air and should be circumvented in favor of professionals who are familiar with this particular area of exposure.

Fire Alarms

This is a simple addition that people both inside and outside the government sector are familiar with. The fire alarm is designed with the basic purpose of detecting a fire before it gets out-of-hand. This means even the most trace elements of CO2 build-up in the air. These can also spot any compromised areas of the facility that could lead to sparks or spilled materials, though your fire and emergency services equipment should be double-checked for unique features. The last thing you need during a potential fire is being unaware of what is at your disposal.

Fire And Emergency Services Equipment

Every sector comes with its own issues, daily challenges and unique approaches. The GSA Schedules program alone is broken down into nearly 30 ‘Schedules’, or contracts, that are categorized by the industry. The Schedule 84, for example, encompasses marine and fire rescue, while Schedule 48 revolves around transportation and delivery. All of these areas, sadly, are at risk for fire. Your fire and emergency services equipment should be a healthy mixture of reactive and proactive, allowing you to handle a situation even as you do your best to make sure said situation doesn’t happen in the first place.

Don’t give fire the time of day. Stay prepared, brush up on your Schedules and stay safe.