Exciting Security news from Reliable Fire & Security!

At Reliable Fire & Security, protecting businesses like yours has been our mission since 1955. For nearly 70 years, we’ve built a reputation as a trusted leader in fire protection and security solutions, providing businesses with the expertise, service, and reliability they need to safeguard their people and property.

To further enhance our ability to serve you, we’re excited to introduce Andrew Koval, our newest sales representative specializing in building security systems, access control, burglar protection, and more. With a strong background in security solutions and a commitment to customer partnerships, Andrew is here to ensure your business stays protected with the latest in security technology.

Reliable Fire & Security has evolved from a small, family-owned fire protection company into a full-service provider of fire and security solutions, offering:

✅ Building Security & Burglar Protection – Advanced systems designed to deter and detect threats.

✅ Access Control Systems – Secure entry management to keep your facility protected.

✅ Fire Protection Systems & Services – From fire extinguishers to alarm systems, ensuring compliance and safety.

✅ Comprehensive Installation, Service & Support – A true partner, not just a vendor.

We understand that companies like yours need a partner they can count on—not just a provider. That’s why our “One Call Does It All” approach ensures that from consultation to installation and ongoing service, your business is protected by a team with decades of expertise in both fire safety and security.

Andrew would love the opportunity to connect with you and discuss how we can enhance your security strategy. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, please email us at customercare@reliablefire.com or call us at 708.597.4600.

We’re proud to continue Reliable Fire & Security’s legacy of safety and security and look forward to partnering with you for years to come.

Why Your Employees Need Fire Extinguisher Training

According to the OSHA: “Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage firefighting.”  Just because the employer provides fire extinguishers, does not mean the employees are certified to use them. Workers must be trained to: Recognize when to use a portable fire extinguisher and how to correctly operate the fire extinguisher.

According to OSHA Interpretation Letter, employers do not have to start and extinguish fires to simulate emergency fire conditions during employee training. “Hands-on training does not necessarily mean ‘live fire’ demonstration,” the letter states. “As a minimum, hands-on training should include the actual discharging of fire extinguishers appropriate for the type of fires expected, unracking of standpipe hoses, and test-sounding of fire alarm boxes.”

Responding to a Fire

Before trying to control fire with a portable extinguisher, the worker who discovers the fire should activate the alarm, enabling others to evacuate to a safe area, OSHA advised. The fire department should be called at this time.

General procedures for responding to a small, incipient-stage fire are as follows:

  • Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire.
  • Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.
  • Use the PASS technique from a safe distance: PULL the pin; AIM low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire; SQUEEZE the handle, to release the extinguishing agent; SWEEP from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.
  • Evacuate if the extinguisher runs out of fluid and the fire is not out.
  • Evacuate if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.

If your facility has a sprinkler system, evacuate, letting the sprinklers run, as advised by OSHA.

Reliable Fire & Safety can certify and train employees to use a fire extinguisher correctly.  Please call us at 708-597-4600.