I am compelled to respond to the June 6, 2014 article written by your reporter Susan Vaughn [Sprinkler bill for homes raises questions].

The article cites information from Town Councilor Jim Crocker, who is also a Realtor, and state Rep. Cleon Turner.

HB 2121, An Act relative to enhanced fire protection in new one- and two-family dwellings, is a bill that if passed will require residential fire sprinkler systems in all new one- and two-family homes. The language referring to requiring sprinklers in substantially rehabilitated construction of single- and two-family homes was stricken from the bill by Rep. Ruth Balser at the Joint Committee of Public Safety and Homeland Security public hearing which was held on Nov. 20, 2013.

What needs to be emphasized, however, is that HB 2121 is a local option bill that will allow Massachusetts communities to decide the amount of fire protection for their locality. It is not a mandate. If Town Councilor Jim Crocker, who is also a realtor, does not think it is proper for his community, then that conversation should be held with his professional fire chief.

Sen. Stephen Brewer has been one of several champions in our state government and has advocated tirelessly for the publics safety. The residential sprinkler bill is one piece of legislation that will undoubtedly change the outcome and future of fire and Sen. Brewer understands this.

In Massachusetts, annual homeowners insurance premium discount percentages from Commerce, Andover, Chubb & Son, Travelers and Liberty Mutual range from 5 to 10 percent. Further to the point of insurance companies, the presence of a residential sprinkler system raising concern about the accidental water leakage from the system, the Insurance Service Office, Inc. (ISO) standard Homeowners 3 Special Form policy provides for coverage due to damages from residential fire sprinkler system leakage provided that reasonable care has been taken to maintain heat in the building to prevent freezing of the residential fire sprinkler system. Essentially, residential fire sprinkler piping is treated the same as regular household plumbing as far as coverage and pricing for ISOs standard Homeowners program. Thus, there is no extra charge for the coverage of the peril of fire sprinkler leakage.

The simple solution for areas without water systems such as West Barnstable, which only have wells, is to install a small water tank and pump. The sprinkler systems do not require highly charged water lines for extra water pressure and once installed, residential sprinkler systems do not require more people to inspect them. The homeowner simply checks the system similar to what folks do in their homes now for other utility appliances.

Currently the national average cost for a residential sprinkler system for new one- and two-family homes is $1.35 per square foot. This is 1 to 1.5 percent of the total cost of new construction. A residential sprinkler system is designed primarily for life safety and secondarily for property protection. It allows for up to a 10-minute water supply to prevent the fire from flashing over and allows the homeowners time to get out. Flashover is when all of the combustibles in the room ignite all at once. There is no surviving a flashover.

Modern home furnishings are deadlier than older furnishings under the same fire conditions. Fire burns faster and hotter, emitting thick black poisonous smoke, and flashover happens very quickly as compared to an 18-minute time frame previously. Modern homes are being built with lightweight construction and engineered wood assemblies. This type of construction notably burns quicker and fails faster than its dimensional lumber counterparts, usually with devastating consequences to responding firefighters. If you do an Internet search of lightweight construction and fire you will discover 1.4 million hits of information regarding the dangers of new construction under fire conditions

Massachusetts has opted out of the 2009 International Residential Code for the sprinkler requirement in all new one- and two-family homes and therefore homes being built now are being built to a sub-standard building code and present liability concerns to the homebuilder. The solution is to install home sprinkler systems while the home is under construction.

Read the original post:
LETTERS: Answering questions about home sprinkler systems

Burbank, CA (PRWEB) June 03, 2014

Business Insurance USA announced today a new affordable line of general liability irrigation system installer insurance, designed to help reduce catastrophes that can arise legally or financially when lawsuits are filed against a sprinkler installation company.

Irrigation sprinkler installation professionals obviously provide their professional services on site, explains Gary Fisher, Business Insurance USAs Executive Director, which opens them up to more risks of accidental injuries or even being accused of causing damage to the customers property. By creating a line of general liability protection that even the smallest sprinkler companies can afford, we help reduce those risks so that the company can focus on service and growth.

Sprinkler system installer liability insurance provides commercial general liability coverage to independent installers and companies alike. It is designed to provide a broad range of protection against many types of risks that can endanger the viability of the business.

Risks that are common for irrigation installation companies include physical injuries and harm: a customer may need to seek medical attention if they trip over a sprinkler line that is not yet buried for instance. Property damage allegations may be filed against the sprinkler company if the customer believes their award winning rose bushes died due to something the installers did, or even if they discover a new scratch on the side of their home.

The new general liability irrigation system installer insurance from Business Insurance USA helps pay for medical expenses when accidental harm happens. It also pays for the costs associated with repairing or replacing property if the company is found to be at fault for the alleged damages. Additionally, this coverage pays for costs that are normally incurred by the company when they must legally defend themselves against liability lawsuits. The business insurance policy can pay for legal representation, court filing fees and other expenses that arise in relation to the suit.

About Business Insurance USA

Business Insurance USA excels in providing multiple layers of business protection to a wide variety of industries. Through the various business insurance options they offer, the company is able to ensure individual professionals and small businesses have just the right types of coverage at prices their budget can afford.

Located in California, Business Insurance USA offers business owners policies, general liability protection, surety bonds, workers compensation insurance, commercial auto coverage and more to companies across twenty states.

For more information visit http://www.businessinsuranceusa.com

Continued here:
USA Business Insurance Launches New Irrigation System Installer Insurance

A fire which broke out at Hamiltons Waikato Museum nearly consumed a 200-year-old waka that is the prize of its collection - until the buildings sprinkler system saved the day.

Seven fire crews from Hamilton and as far afield as Ngaruawahia were dispatched to the museum on Grantham St tonight.

The Fire Services Waikato area commander Roy Breeze said the blaze had apparently began near the majestic Te Winika, a 200-year-old carved waka taua (Maori war canoe) of Ngaati Tipa; Ngaati Maahanga and Ngaati Maru collaboration.

All the floors of the building suffered some smoke damage, he said.It looks like it might have started on a wooden note table, near the end of the waka.

We are having to isolate the area until we can get a specialist investigator in to assess how the fire started.

The building houses an art, history and science collection of 38,000 pieces. It is also the current home of several touring exhibitions, including the popular Roman Machines collection.

Its quite a hard building to vent. Its very smoke-logged, Breeze said.

Without a doubt the buildings sprinkler system saved it from a lot more damage.

Te Winika was gifted to Waikato Museum by Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 1973 as a gesture of fellowship and goodwill with the city of Hamilton.

The waka was restored by a team of carvers led by Piri Poutapu in the 1930s after being buried in mud for 70 years.

Continue reading here:
Fire at Waikato Museum

A fire at Hamilton's Waikato Museum last night nearly consumed a 200-year-old waka that is the prize of its collection, but the building's sprinkler system saved the day.

Seven fire crews from Hamilton and as far afield as Ngaruawahia were dispatched to the museum on Grantham St.

The Fire Service's Waikato area commander Roy Breeze said the blaze had apparently began near the majestic Te Winika, a 200-year-old carved waka taua (Maori war canoe) of Ngaati Tipa; Ngaati Maahanga and Ngaati Maru collaboration.

All the floors of the building suffered some smoke damage, he said. The fire was extinguished at 9.30pm.

"It looks like it might have started on a wooden table, near the end of the waka.

"We are having to isolate the area until we can get a specialist investigator in to assess how the fire started."

The building houses an art, history and science collection of 38,000 pieces.

It is also the current home of several touring exhibitions, including the popular Roman Machines collection.

"It's quite a hard building to vent," Breeze said.

"It's very smoke-logged.

Read the original post:
Fire threatens precious 200-year-old waka

Sprinkler system repairs
http://www.brind.us/ -B R Industries will send its team of professionals to the client #39;s property upon being contacted in order to get the process started....

By: Avijit Saha

Continued here:
Sprinkler system repairs - Video

When Should You Do It Yourself? Turning on A Sprinkler System In The Spring
DIY is a great way to save money. However, that doesn #39;t always mean that it #39;s worth it. Carefully consider the project before you jump in. In this video I ta...

By: Bible Money Matters

Read more:
When Should You Do It Yourself? Turning on A Sprinkler System In The Spring - Video

Wildfire Sprinkler System at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Take a look at our new emergency wildfire sprinkler system, courtesy of the ASPCA and PumpBiz.com. Learn more at ChimpsNW.org/blog.

By: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Here is the original post:
Wildfire Sprinkler System at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest - Video

Dundee United are splashing out 50,000 on a new sprinkler system and new pitch at Tannadice.

Work is set to start to make sure the new playing surface will have taken root in time for the new Premiership campaign kicking off in August.

The club has invested a substantial five-figure sum to ensure the players have the best possible surface to play the type of football encouraged by our manager Jackie McNamara, said director Derek Robertson.

A 6000-gallon water tank is also being fitted under the Jerry Kerr Stand to support the system. It utilises rainbird sprinklers around the perimeter of the pitch, as well as throughout the pitch itself.

In total, 26 sprinklers will be installed. The installation comes complete with a roam facility, allowing remote capability for operating the system at all times.

The system replaces conventional watering methods that have been rendered inadequate since Scottish Water reduced the water pressure in the Tannadice area last year.

Away from the playing side of the club after eight years at Tannadice, commercial manager Keith Haggart is leaving.

Keith has made a valuable and lasting contribution to Dundee United in his time with us and leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for his new career, added Robertson.

Meanwhile, Paul Reid has been promoted to Head of Commercial Sales. As well as his duties at Tannadice, Paul is well known as an impersonator on the after-dinner circuit and for his work on radio and television shows like Only An Excuse and Soccer AM.

United, meanwhile, have been encouraged by the level of sales of season tickets for next term.

Visit link:
Dundee United

323 S Crawford Vermillion, SD $389,000
This gorgeous custom-built home features granite countertops, main floor AND lower level laundry, hardwood floors, wet bar, custom Pella windows, pond, cast iron fence plus electric fence,...

By: Michelle Maloney

Link:
323 S Crawford Vermillion, SD $389,000 - Video

Soil-Clik: Connecting a Soil-Clik and a Solar Sync
When paired together, the Hunter Solar Sync and Soil-Clik make the ultimate smart irrigation solution for your sprinkler system. Learn to install the pair by interrupting the common wire instead...

By: Hunter Industries

See the rest here:
Soil-Clik: Connecting a Soil-Clik and a Solar Sync - Video