Author: Mick Van Kampen

At the heart of Reliable Fire & Security is a legacy of dedication, innovation, and family values. Leading the way is Deb Horvath, the company’s President and CEO, whose leadership has solidified Reliable Fire & Security as a premier provider in the fire protection and security industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

Reliable Fire & Security has been a trusted name in fire and life safety since its founding in 1955. As a family-owned business, it has upheld a commitment to protecting lives and property with state-of-the-art solutions and exceptional customer service. Under Deb’s leadership, the company has continued to grow while staying true to its core mission: providing reliable and customized fire protection and security solutions for businesses and organizations across the region.

Women-Owned and Leading the Industry

Deb Horvath’s role as President & CEO is especially significant as she leads Reliable Fire & Security as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). This certification not only highlights the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry but also demonstrates Deb’s dedication to empowering women in business and leadership roles. Her influence extends beyond the company, contributing to the broader movement of increasing female representation in fire and life safety.

A Vision for the Future

With decades of experience in the industry, Deb has been instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence at Reliable Fire & Security. Her strategic vision has helped the company expand its services, adopt cutting-edge technology, and build strong relationships with clients and partners. Under her leadership, the company continues to evolve while maintaining the values of honesty, accountability and service focused, that have defined it for nearly 70 years of excellence.

A Commitment to Service

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deb is deeply committed to community engagement and industry advocacy. She believes in the importance of educating businesses about fire and life safety while supporting initiatives that enhance industry standards. Her leadership has not only driven Reliable Fire & Security’s success but has also contributed to making workplaces and communities safer.

As Reliable Fire & Security approaches its 70th anniversary, Deb Horvath remains at the helm, steering the company toward continued growth and success. Her leadership exemplifies the strength of a family-owned, women-led business making a lasting impact in the industry.

Stay connected with us as we celebrate our milestones and continue our mission of providing the highest level of fire and security solutions!

Workplace safety is more crucial than ever, and fire extinguisher training plays a key role in protecting lives and property. Every year, workplace fires cause thousands of injuries and billions in damages. Proper training ensures employees can respond quickly and effectively, reducing risks and potential losses.

Fire extinguisher training goes beyond operating equipment—it builds awareness of fire hazards, evacuation procedures, and the ability to assess when a fire can be safely extinguished. This proactive approach fosters a culture of preparedness and vigilance.

In schools, readiness is essential to protecting students and staff. While alarms and suppression systems are vital, the first line of defense is often a properly used fire extinguisher. The question is: Do your staff members feel confident using one in an emergency?

Reliable Fire & Security: Hands-On Training for Schools

At Reliable Fire & Security, we provide tailored fire extinguisher training for school personnel, ensuring they know how to respond effectively. Our live fire and simulator programs equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to:

✅ Identify fire types and choose the right extinguisher

✅ Operate extinguishers correctly using the P.A.S.S. method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

✅ Act quickly to prevent fire spread

✅ Implement fire prevention strategies in classrooms, kitchens, and common areas

By investing in this training, schools enhance safety, meet compliance standards, and create a secure environment for students and staff.

Our fire extinguisher training programs are led by Fire Specialist Jack Nagel and a team of expert technicians dedicated to fire safety. With decades of experience in fire prevention and extinguisher use, they equip your staff with the skills and confidence needed to handle real emergencies.

Is your team prepared to act when it matters most? Contact Reliable Fire & Security today to schedule training and enhance your school’s fire safety plan.

Workplace safety is more crucial than ever, and fire extinguisher training plays a key role in protecting lives and property. Every year, workplace fires cause thousands of injuries and billions in damages. Proper training ensures employees can respond quickly and effectively, reducing risks and potential losses.

Fire extinguisher training goes beyond operating equipment—it builds awareness of fire hazards, evacuation procedures, and the ability to assess when a fire can be safely extinguished. This proactive approach fosters a culture of preparedness and vigilance.

In schools, readiness is essential to protecting students and staff. While alarms and suppression systems are vital, the first line of defense is often a properly used fire extinguisher. The question is: Do your staff members feel confident using one in an emergency?

Reliable Fire & Security: Hands-On Training for Schools

At Reliable Fire & Security, we provide tailored fire extinguisher training for school personnel, ensuring they know how to respond effectively. Our live fire and simulator programs equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to:

✅ Identify fire types and choose the right extinguisher

✅ Operate extinguishers correctly using the P.A.S.S. method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

✅ Act quickly to prevent fire spread

✅ Implement fire prevention strategies in classrooms, kitchens, and common areas

By investing in this training, schools enhance safety, meet compliance standards, and create a secure environment for students and staff.

Our fire extinguisher training programs are led by Fire Specialist Jack Nagel and a team of expert technicians dedicated to fire safety. With decades of experience in fire prevention and extinguisher use, they equip your staff with the skills and confidence needed to handle real emergencies.

Is your team prepared to act when it matters most?

Contact Reliable Fire & Security today to schedule training and enhance your school’s fire safety plan.

Securing the premises of your building is a good first step and includes a range of equipment and technology that work together to alert you at the first sign of an attempted intrusion.

· Door contacts are used for all windows that can open and all entry doors.

· Glass break detectors use sound or vibration sensing to trigger an alarm.

· Motion detectors sense movement near points of entry.

· Outdoor surveillance cameras act as a deterrent.

The professionals at Reliable Fire & Security provide expert design, installation, and servicing of intrusion detection systems. We also help maximize the benefits of your systems by providing integration services for your card access, IP video, fire alarm, and other building systems to work more efficiently and effectively. This gives you the most benefit for your investment.

Call THE EXPERTS at 708.597.4600 to set up your Intrusion Detection consultation today!

“One Call Does It All!”™

 The “foam” in foam fire suppression systems is an extinguishing agent that can extinguish flammable or combustible liquid by cooling and separating the ignition source from the surface. The foam suppresses and smothers fire and vapors alike. It can also prevent reignition. It is also known as “firefighting foam.”

This foaming agent is made up of small air-filled bubbles that have a lower density than water. Foam is made up of water, foam concentrate, and air. Different manufacturers have their own foam solutions and concentrate. The proportion of foam to water depends on the application.

How does foam suppression systems put out fires?

Foam suppression systems are used to “cool the fire and coat the fuel that the fire is consuming to prevent contact with oxygen and reduce combustion ability.”  The foam, when dispursed, smothers or blankets the surface of the fuel. The water content of the foam then cools the fuel and the area of foam covering the fuel to prevent reignition via flammable vapors.

Foam suppression systems are designed much like a wet sprinkler system in that stored water flows through a network of pipes where it is then discharged through nozzles. The main difference with foam systems and other traditional wet sprinkler systems is the addition of the foaming agent. This foaming agent is stored separately from the water and the two are mixed within the piping system prior to discharge.

At the end of the piping is a nozzle. The foaming agent is added or ejected into the water at the very last moment before discharge. When the water mixes with the foaming agent, expansion occurs and creates an immense coverage of foam to fill expansive areas.

Foam suppression systems are usually in large areas where there is a lot of flammable or combustible liquids such as Warehouses, Marine Applications, Flammable liquid storage, Jet engine testing facilities and aircraft hangars.

The foam system is most commonly used in these areas is because of the capabilities of foam to not only extinguish but also smother flames in a way that prevents reignition.

Special hazard fire suppression systems can provide highly effective and reliable protection when water-based systems are just not enough. Whether it be highly flammable materials, data centers, pharmaceutical, industrial, commercial, military, or protection of priceless commodities, a special hazard fire protection system may be the right solution to protect your assets. These systems require precision, specialized understanding, and careful engineering to meet industry standards and perform properly when needed most.

There are several types of foam to choose from.  Let a suppression system specialist at Reliable Fire & Security help choose the one that is right for your business.  Call us at 708.597.4600 an visit us on the web for a complete list of services at www.reliablefire.com   #firesafety #firesuppression #fireextinguishers #firealarm #fireprevention #onecalldoesitall

Your Spring Cleaning list may include, washing your windows, cleaning up garbage that may have flown into your yard during the winter, cleaning the gutters, and cleaning your garage floor. But there are a few more items that you can add to keep your home safe from fires.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Replace smoke and CO alarms batteries and test them once a month by pushing the test button. Gently clean the alarms, but make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Kitchen – Keep countertops and stovetops free of grease and clutter. Excess grease on the drip pan or stovetop can easily catch fire. Clean oil and food spill immediately after they occur and wait until the stove is cool to wipe away the oil or grease spills. Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, towels, or wooden utensils, away from your stovetop.

Electrical Cords – Inspect the electrical cords in your home and replace worn or tattered ones. Use extension cords only temporarily and plug major appliances directly into wall sockets.

Clothes Dryers – Excess lint in the dryer is the number one cause of clothes dryer fires. Clean the lint that has been collected around the drum before or after each load of laundry. Always use a lint filter and clean it regularly. Have your dryer vents extensively cleaned by a professional. Move combustible items like boxes and clothing around your dryer to a safer area.

Grilling – Clean the grease or fat build-up after every use. This not only decreases the risk of fire, but also helps the food cook better. Make sure you check the propane tank, hose, and all connection points for cracks and leaks. If you smell gas when the grill is on, turn off the tank and burners immediately. If you have a charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid. Make sure you grill a safe distance from your home and any flammable materials.

Evacuation Plan – You should have an escape plan in case of a fire. The plan should include a map of each home level with two escape routes in each room. Discuss and practice the plan with everyone in the household, including children, and add pets to the plan.

Call Reliable Fire & Security for all your Commercial Fire & Security needs at 708-597-4600.

What Is An Emergency Evacuation Plan?

In simple terms, an emergency evacuation plan is a clear, well-rehearsed plan of what you and your employees will do in the case of an emergency. It usually details the best escape routes, meeting places to head to, and anything else of importance that could help you escape a dangerous situation safely. Emergency evacuation plans should be practiced regularly, and new staff should be briefed on them. They should be visibly present in every room in your building, within reason.

Why Do I Need A Clear Evacuation Plan?

A clear, well-defined emergency evacuation plan will allow you and your employees to safely escape from your building in the case of an emergency like a fire. Some of the reasons you should always have an emergency evacuation plan include:

• You are required by law under OSHA legislation.
• It will reduce confusion in the event of an emergency, reducing the risk of the emergency escalating and spiraling out of control – and avoid any legal issues following avoidable accidents.

What Should My Emergency Evacuation Plan Include?

At a minimum, the plan must include but is not limited to the following elements:

• Means of reporting fires and other emergencies
• Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments
• Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
• Accounting for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed
• Rescue and medical duties for employees performing them
• Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted

Although they are not specifically required by OSHA, you may find it helpful to include the following in your plan:

• A description of the alarm system to be used to notify employees (including disabled employees) to evacuate and/or take other actions. The alarms used for different actions should be distinctive and might include horn blasts, sirens, or even public address systems.
• The site of an alternative communications center to be used in the event of a fire or explosion.
• A secure on- or offsite location to store originals or duplicate copies of accounting records, legal documents, your employees’ emergency contact lists, and other essential records.

Call Reliable Fire & Security for all your fire protection needs at 708.597.4600

Many people don’t realize how quickly a fire can spread. But a small fire can become a large one in an extremely short amount of time. Here are eight common fire hazards you may have overlooked so please keep them in mind.

Walking away from something cooking in the kitchen:

 Unattended gas/electric burners, toasters & hotplates, dishes that are not microwave proof, cookbooks near gas flames are common causes of fires.

Worn out electrical cords:

Frayed or chewed electrical cords start many house fires. Exposed electrical wires will light your floor or rug on fire in a fraction of a second.

Overloaded power strips:

Power strips, when overloaded, can cause a spark. If they’re anywhere near anything flammable, a fire is very likely.

Malfunctioning electrical appliances:

Most of us own more than a few electrical gadgets, all of which can malfunction at any time. Sparks from faulty toasters, coffee makers, televisions, computer monitors, clothing driers are among many electrical and gas appliances that can cause serious fires.

Unattended candles:

Candles cause hundreds of fires every year. Even with a safe holder, candles should never be left unattended. It only takes a minute for a pet or child to knock a candle over – or just a little too close to flammable material.

Fireplace or woodstove used incorrectly:

Fireplaces and wood stoves can be fire hazards when not properly used. Make sure your chimney is clear and clean before burning anything. Never throw away ashes that aren’t 100% cool- even the tiniest smoldering coal could easily start a fire in your trash bin.

Burning cigarettes unattended: 

 Smoking in bed, leaving a pipe or cigarette unattended and emptying ashtray contents before they are cold cause hundreds of fires each year.

Call Reliable Fire & Security at 708.597.4600 for all your Fire Protection & Security needs.  Visit us on the web at www.reliablefire.com for a complete list of our services.

“One Call Does It All!”™

#Firealarm #fireprotection #fireextinguishers #firesuppression #firesafety #CCTV #cardaccess #cloudbasedsolutions