October is Fire Prevention Month: Simple Steps to Keep Your Fire Equipment Ready
- Bridgford
- Oct 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Every October, fire departments and safety professionals across the country highlight Fire Prevention Month — a reminder that fire safety begins long before an emergency. At Riser Fire Protection in Waxahachie, TX, we believe education is one of the most powerful ways to protect lives and property.
One area many building and business owners overlook is understanding that your fire protection equipment belongs to you — and keeping it in good working order is part of your responsibility. Whether it’s a fire alarm, sprinkler system, kitchen suppression system, or fire extinguisher, simple monthly checks can help ensure your systems are ready when you need them most.
Here are a few easy ways to stay proactive and confident in your fire protection system.
Fire Alarm System
Your fire alarm panel is the heartbeat of your building’s safety system. Make sure it’s showing “Normal” and not displaying any trouble or supervisory signals. If your panel shows a fault or alarm you can’t clear, contact us right away.
A clear, normal panel means your monitoring and detection devices are communicating properly — an easy but important thing to check regularly.
Sprinkler System (Monthly Visual Check)
Your fire sprinkler system protects your entire building — but only if it’s in proper working condition. Once a month, take a moment to inspect it:
Accessible: Control valves and risers should be easy to reach, not blocked by storage or equipment.
Proper Position: Valves should be fully open or closed, depending on the design.
No Leaks: Check for any visible leaks or signs of moisture.
Good Condition: Look for rust, corrosion, or physical damage.
Labeled Properly: Make sure valves and controls are clearly labeled so they can be quickly identified.
These quick checks help you catch small issues before they become costly system failures.
Kitchen Fire Suppression System
In commercial kitchens, cooking fires are one of the most common hazards. Take time each month to verify that your kitchen fire suppression system is ready:
Pull Station Accessible: Ensure the manual pull station isn’t blocked or hidden.
Gauge in the Green: The pressurized cylinder gauge should point in the green zone.
Appliance Layout: If you’ve moved or replaced cooking equipment, contact Riser Fire Protection to adjust piping and nozzles for proper coverage. Even small changes in equipment placement can affect system performance.
Regular attention here helps prevent grease fires from spreading and minimizes potential damage.
Fire Extinguishers
Your fire extinguishers are often the first line of defense — but only if they’re ready for use. Each month, check that:
Tamper Seal is Intact: The pull pin should have its tamper seal in place.
Gauge is in the Green: The pressure indicator should point to the green zone.
Unobstructed Access: Extinguishers should be visible and easy to reach, not blocked by furniture or storage.
These 30-second checks can make all the difference in a small fire emergency. According to NFPA 10, fire extinguishers must be visually inspected at least once every 30 days.
Taking Ownership of Fire Safety
Your fire protection systems are an investment in safety — for your employees, customers, and property. By understanding that these systems are your responsibility to maintain, you help ensure they perform when it matters most.
At Riser Fire Protection, our mission is to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident in your fire protection systems. Whether you need fire sprinkler inspection, alarm testing, or kitchen suppression maintenance, we’re here to help you keep your property safe all year long.
Riser Fire Protection – Protecting What Matters MostProudly serving Waxahachie, Ellis County, and the greater North Texas area with expert fire protection services and customer care you can trust.
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