Stat-X First Responder® saves Mobile Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

January 7, 2014

  Stat-X First Responder® saves Mobile Home:

  

Claremont, New Hampshire-Fireaway Inc. is pleased to announce another success story!

Fortunately, the fire department's staff car was equipped with a Stat-X First Responder® when the Claremont Fire Department was alerted to an interior mobile home fire.  The first fire fighter on the scene surveyed the area and immediately deployed the Stat-X First Responder in the old, lightweight, combustible mobile home.  The fire was contained until the fire engine arrived with water.  The unit suppressed the fire and made the home interior safe for operation when the fire truck arrived on the scene. Without the Stat-X First Responder the fire would have been "out-of-hand" when the fire truck arrived.

The Stat-X First Responder performed as advertised according to Chief Bergeron, Claremont Fire Department.

About Stat-X First Responder

The Stat-X First Responder® is a hand deployed aerosol generator that is used by emergency first responders. Stat-X First Responders® are highly-advanced condensed aerosol fire suppression solutions. The aerosol agent that is used in these robust generators is eco­ friendly (zero ozone depletion, zero atmospheric life, and insignificant global warming potential) and non-toxic.  These units are deployed in the toughest conditions worldwide, including manholes, domestic fires, and many industrial applications.

Stat-X is manufactured by Fireaway Inc., an ISO 9001-2008 certified company with production facilities in Minnetonka, Minnesota and Minden, Louisiana. All products are manufactured in the USA using the highest quality construction materials.  Inquiries may be made by mail, phone or email.   Please visit our website, www.statx.com, for further information or to locate a certified distributor in your area.

Hiller Systems is an authorized distributor of Stat-X products.  Learn more about Hiller Systems by visiting our website at www.hillersystemsinc.com or visit our Hiller Shop at www.hillershop.com!

Safe Awake - New Product Announcement

In response to the new requirements of NFPA, the Safe Awake provides a unique alerting capability for awakening the deaf, profoundly deaf and hard of hearing individuals when a smoke alarm is activated.

NFPA 72 now requires the use of TACTILE NOTIFICATION DEVICES, such as the Safe Awake, in sleeping areas, including hotels, dormitories, assisted and independent care facilities, and certain rental properties.

The patented 6” by 3” product simply plugs into any 120V electrical bedside outlet and is placed on a bedside nightstand or mounted on a wall adjacent to the bed.   It is equipped with a battery backup system which provides power in the event of a power failure.   It’s speaker emits a high decibel, low frequency audible signal  and a flashing indicator light.   The tactile stimulating bed shaker fits directly under the mattress.

For More Information, Contact Kim Boice @ (757) 549-9123 or Kim.Boice@hillerva.com!

Hiller Systems Receives Training Recognition

By:  Mark Herzog

On May 8th, 2011, Hiller Systems was awarded a commemorative plaque, recognizing 20 years of commitment to the Robert E. Rumans Hampton Roads Firefighting Symposium. Hiller has been involved in the Marine Firefighting Symposium since its inception in 1991. Hiller’s contribution involves an overview of fixed firefighting systems and equipment, including function and emergency operational procedures. Our trailer-mounted Fixed Carbon Dioxide System discharge is a perennial favorite of the class attendees who hail from both coasts of North America, South America, Panama, Singapore and Europe. Originally, Mark Herzog was the instructor, with those duties being handed over to Dave Faller many years ago. Hiller Systems is proud to be a part of one of the only Marine Firefighting courses of its kind. The Symposium was named posthumously for Robert E. Rumens, who was one of the original founders of this valuable training course.

The Robert E. Rumens Hampton Roads Firefighting Symposium was sponsored by:

• Virginia Port Authority/MIRT (Marine incident Response Team)

• Virginia Department of Fire Programs

• Virginia Maritime Association

• Ft. Eustis Fire Department

• Maritime Administration

• Norfolk Fire Rescue

• U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Hampton Roads

• U.S. Navy Fleet Training Center Fire School, Norfolk, VA

• Military Sealift Command

• Tri-State Maritime Safety Association

• Hampton Roads Fire Chiefs Association

This course is designed to familiarize land-based firefighters and Maritime personnel on procedures necessary to handle a marine incident within a port or waterway. This course meets NFPA 1005 standards, is ProBoard and IFSAC certified.

Course Topics included:

• Vessel Construction

• Vessel Safety

• Firefighting Tactics

• Incident Management Procedures

• Vessel and Terminal Operations

• Vessel Firefighting Systems

• Legal Issues

• Live Firefighting Evolutions

• Waterborne Exercise

• Practical Workstations

• Vessel Tours

• Review of Past Incidents

• Contingency Planning

• WMD/Hazmat Incidents

For more informaiton about this or other marine fire fighting applications, contact us today at

Securiplex Receives USCG Water Mist Certification for 3000m3 System

Securiplex, LLC, a United States based manufacturer of Water Mist Fire Protection Systems (an earth friendly [green] alternative more traditional fire protection systems such as CO₂, FM200 or Novec 1230), with headquarters located in Mobile, Ala. recently was awarded ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and  United States Coast Guard certification for the high pressure Water Mist fire protection systems to protect spaces up to 3000 m3.  Securiplex had previously received certification for SOLAS which is required for all Local Application Systems.  Securiplex fire protection systems have been installed on a number of United States commercial and Naval vessels.  All Secruiplex systems are completely and totally designed and manufactured in the United States.

The Securiplex FIRE-SCOPE® 5000 Water mist fire protection system can solve your fire protection needs across a number of platforms spanning the industrial, commercial, mining, marine, chemical, and other markets. If you would like an alternative to CO2, FM200, sprinklers or even Novec 1230, water mist offers
advantages than no other fire suppression system can offer! 
 
With the oldest reputation for water mist fire protection in North America, Securiplex has set the standard against which all other manufacturers in the industry are measured. We achieved the first FM approved water mist fire protection system in North America. Our water mist system tested at US government laboratories has shown that we surpass all other major manufacturers in extinguishment times by several orders of magnitude in many cases. 
 
Learn more about Securiplex, LLC or learn more about this specific application here.
 
Hiller Systems is a proud authorized distributor of Securiplex products.  Contact your Hiller Systems Sales Representative today to learn more about this eco-friendly fire protection solution.

Hiller Systems & Extreme Makeover: Home Addition

Businesses all over Hampton Roads pitched in and donated time, food and resources to the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that was filmed recently in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Hiller Systems was no different.  Our employee's donated a total of 108 lbs. of food and one of our employee's even participated in the week long build of the new house for Beverly Hill, Fred Burdette and their six adopted daughters.

Trademark Construction of Chesapeake Virginia took the lead on the build and took the family's modest home, pictured here:

and turned it into this spacious and comfortable home for the family:

Beverly Hill is known in Hampton Roads to have a heart of gold. She has been sharing her love for over 15 years and has helped raise 35 foster children, according to a press release from Extreme Makeover. A friend of the family nominated the family last year after the TV show announced it was looking for a deserving family in southeastern Virginia.

"Giving back to the community that helped build our business is only right.  I am very proud of the Hiller Systems employee's who donated their time, food and energy to this project.  It truly exemplifies what Hiller Systems stands for", said Mark Herzog, Vice President and General Manager of the Hiller Systems Inc. Chesapeake, VA branch.

Hiller Systems was very proud to participate in this event.  The episode will air in a few weeks and we look forward to watching the week come together and see how we helped a most deserving family benefit from the kindness of strangers the way others have benefited from their kindness and goodwill.

Hiller Systems Supports Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center Emergency Management Fair

Hiller Systems, your premier Fire Protection and Security Solutions provider, presents: "Hiller Systems Supports Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center Emergency Management Fair". - Article written and submitted by Mike Glover and Teresa Rosen.

Recently, DePaul Medical Center of Bon Secours, conducted an Emergency Management Fair to better prepare the Bon Secours employees and their families for disasters in the Hampton Roads area.  Hiller Systems was invited by Michael Craig, Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Management to assist in putting this fair on.    

Pictured here:  Teresa Rosen and Michael Craig

The fair was a great success.  The employee's of Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center learned a lot about how to prepare and react to natural and man made disasters here in Hampton Roads.  Hiller Systems was proud to be a contributing member of this worth while cause.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about having a display at your Health care event or facility, please contact Teresa Rosen with the following contact information:

How the USCG Inspection Teams Learn About Shipboard Fire Fighting Systems...

Hiller Systems, your premier Fire Protection & Security Solutions provider, presents:  Training the Inspectors, How the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Inspection Teams learn about shipboard fire fighting systems.  Article written and submitted by David Faller and Mike Glover.


Hiller Systems, located in Chesapeake Virginia, has been conducting training for the USCG Inspection Teams since 2004.  This annual course serves as an indoctrination for all newly assigned USCG inspectors and any experienced inspectors that require a refresher course.  During their 1 or 2 day course, inspectors are exposed to every type of shipboard fire fighting system they may encounter on vessels and cover basic components of each system such as time delays, manual release mechanisms and basic system operation and maintenance.  The inspectors also learn everything they need to know to properly inspect each system.  How often the systems require inspection, what type of inspections are required for each system and how to test each system.


"This course has been extremely beneficial to the USCG Inspection Teams in training newly assigned inspectors as well as seasoned inspectors.  Giving the inspectors the tools they need to properly inspect these systems and make sure everyone is safe while inspecting the systems and after the inspection....that's why we do this." - Dave Faller, Senior Instructor, Hiller Systems.


"Hiller Systems helps get our teams up to speed much faster then just relying on [on the job training].  Even our more experienced inspectors learn something new when they attend this course.  We truly appreciate everything that Hiller Systems does for the USCG in this effort." - USCG Inspection Teams.

Hiller Systems can help you no matter how large or complicated your fire protection problem is!  Be sure to contact us for more information or to schedule a hazard analysis.  See our line card for more information on the manufacturers we represent and the systems and services we provide.

A Story About Surviving....

A few years ago...Dan Clift, a good and faithful, longtime employee of Hiller Systems, was diagnosed with cancer.  If you have ever known someone who has been through this, you probably instantly welled up with emotions that bring back vivid memories of what they went through.  It's an incredibly difficult and painful process that all to often ends with dire consequences.  This however, is a story of survival.  A story of hope.  A story that needs to be shared.  This is Dan's story, in his own words...

I am a survivor.  In February of 2005 I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (blood borne cancer disease).  I was diagnosed after having had a tumor taken out of my neck.  I sat in the doctor’s office as he pulled out a chart and began telling me the percentage of people who beat this cancer and the percentage of surviving.  None of the percentages were 100%. This began the toughest fight I would ever face.  I spent the rest of the year having chemotherapy, taking pills, getting sick, and eating scrambled eggs and Ramen noodles. I had the support from my family, friends and my fellow workers at Hiller Systems.

After I was diagnosed with cancer, a whirlwind of activity began.  I had so many tests to go through.  I had an MRI, a CT scan, a PET scan, and probably some other tests from the alphabet.  They found three more, smaller tumors around my neck and vocal cords.  I moved from a stage one to a stage two cancer level.  If you do not know, the higher the stage, the further along your cancer is.  The doctor and I discussed the options available for treatment.  He was not in favor of radiation, because it could do more damage to my neck, throat, and mouth.  We agreed that chemotherapy would be the best course of treatment.  I went home after that appointment and cried.  All I could remember was there was a chance that I would not make it, and there were things I still needed to do. All of my family and friends called to get an update on the diagnoses and treatment, I let the phone ring.  I could not answer it, or talk to anyone.  I had to get my head around the fact I was in for the toughest fight of my life.

My first day of chemotherapy was here.  I went into the Oncologist office and sat in a big recliner.  We started about 9:00 A.M. All day they kept taking the empty bags down and hanging new ones.  They gave me medicine to counter-act the potential side effects, and that helped me sleep through most of the treatment.  The needle finally came out around 3:00 P.M.  The following six months would consist of more Chemotherapy, PET Scans, shots, pills, and finding the strength to keep on fighting.

The morning after my second chemotherapy treatment I was taking a shower, and the first physical side-effect became apparent.  I washed my hair, looked down at my hands, and they were full of hair.  From this point on, my hair would fall out by the hand full.  It was at this point that I received an email from one of my coworkers.  Dave Faller, a long time co-worker and friend had shaved his head, as well as several other friends all in a show of support.  The beginning of the following week, a bunch of my coworkers helped me shave my head in the warehouse on our lunch break.  They made it a game, took pictures, and made funny hair styles in my head.  The following days would have my facial hair fall out, eye brows, arm hair, and leg hair.  I found out when you have a bald head, you are cold all the time.  Hair on your head helps retain heat.

As the chemotherapy treatment progressed, the sicker and more fatigued I would become.  There were days I could not get out of bed.  This is when I was at my worst.  It was a struggle to get out of bad, a struggle to eat, a struggle to survive.  If at any point I did not think I would make it through this, this was that time.  I had trouble eating....nothing tasted good, I had sores in my mouth that felt like I was swallowing broken glass.  If I did manage to get food down it usually did not stay long.  I saw first hand why some people give up.  You spend most of your time in bed or sick.  If it was not for the great support network, I do not know if I would have found the strength to fight.  Bottom line, no one should ever have to go through this alone.

Fast forwarding through chemotherapy, being sick and tired all the time.  August 3rd is here, this would be my last day of chemotherapy.  I have received my latest PET scan results; all of the tumors are gone....my body is clean of all cancer, I have won the fight.  The last therapy session is to ensure the cancer stays gone.  This was the best therapy session, my mom sat with me for the whole day as if to put the exclamation point on the end of the sentence, “the cancer is gone!”.

My birthday was coming up in a few weeks after my final treatment.  The doctor said I could go back to eating real food whenever my body could tolerate the food.  I made a plan, and several people from my office were ready.  The week of my birthday would start my food fest.  It started with pizza, went to fried chicken and then Mexican.  I wanted all of the things I could not eat while fighting the cancer.  I even ate a whole bag of grapes for dinner one night.  Grapes, believe it or not, was something the doctor had said to stay from.

The following months would have more doctors’ appointments and PET scans.  The night before was always tough, all I could think of was the conversation in that office explaining there was a chance I would not make it through this.  I would get little to no sleep, go see the doctor, and he would tell me everything was great.  There were still no cancer cells detected, my blood work was good, and I was gaining my strength back.

Fast forward to present time.  The date is August 4th, 2010 and I have a follow up appointment with the Oncologist.  Five years have passed from my last chemotherapy treatment.  This was the day I have been looking for since that life changing day five years ago.  I want to hear him say the words, “you are cured”.  The appointment went very well.  The doctor was as excited as I was.  He checked all of my blood work, did a physical examine, and concluded that I was indeed, cured.

The fight was over and I had won.  I could not have made it through without my family, friends, and the people at work who supported me through this terrible time in my life.  This has changed the way I look at my life.  The small things that use to get me upset or mad, just does not matter anymore.  I watch people sitting in traffic getting upset; I turn my radio up and remember that I am glad to be able to sit in traffic.  I ask that everyone take a look at their lives and realize what is truly important, and surround yourself with only positive things.  You do not need a brush with death to enjoy your life to the fullest. 

Today, I am part of the Light the Night team.  Every year, we walk two miles to raise money to find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma.  To be on the oceanfront and see the waves of lighted balloons carried by people there to support me and everyone else battling a blood cancer is somewhat overwhelming.  I see the red balloons, which are people supporting someone who has cancer.  There are the white balloons for the survivors, or the people still fighting.  The gold balloons are for people walking in memory of someone who lost the fight.  As I look out over the sea of balloons, I always say a small prayer for the white balloons and a prayer for the gold balloons.  The thought that someone could be carrying a gold balloon for me, just makes me want to live my life to the fullest and enjoy everything life has to offer and everyone around me.

Thanks for reading my story - Dan Clift

If you are interested in supporting the Light the Night Team.  Visit the web site and find out more.

In this picture:  Mark Herzog, Dan Clift & Belinda Arthur 5 years later....

Firefighter Appreciation Rebate on Akron Brass Nozzles and Monitors, available through Hiller Systems

Written and submitted by Belinda Arthur:

Hiller Systems, an authorized distributor of Akron Brass, proudly presents the Firefighter Appreciation Rebate on Akron Brass Nozzles and Monitors:


You’re in the business of saving lives. To show our appreciation, we’d like to help you save money! Take advantage of this fantastic offer and upgrade to the latest life safety equipment by Akron Brass.


  

• Trade in your used combination nozzle and purchase a new Turbojet, Saberjet or Assault nozzle to receive a $50.00- $75.00 cash rebate!

• Trade in your portable or fixed monitor and purchase a new Mercury Quick Attack or MercuryMaster 1000 monitor to receive a $150.00 - $200.00 cash rebate!

There is no limit on the number of items that you can trade in.  Each qualifying trade-in and purchase will receive a cash rebate.

For details, contact Belinda.Arthur@hillerva.com or (757) 549-9123.  Hurry as the rebate offer will end on September 30, 2010!

Smoke Detectors: What is the difference between a Photoelectric Smoke Detector and an Ionization Smoke Detector?

This article written by: Mike Glover, Security & Fire Alarm Operations Manager @ Hiller Systems Virginia.

Hiller Systems - Your premier fire protection and security systems contractor in Virginia for all of your fire protection and security systems needs, presents a brief explanation of the difference between photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors and smoke alarms.

At Hiller Systems, we actually get this question a lot.  The short answer is that they detect different types of particles that are released during different times of a fire's life cycle.  Which smoke detector or smoke alarm is best for you?  Well, that depends on the application you intend to use the detector for.  Before you can decide which type of detector you should use, you should first probably know a little more about the way each one works.  Here is a brief outline designed to give you the knowledge you need to properly identify the correct type of detector for your particular application.

Ionization Detectors - This type of detector uses an ionization chamber and an additional source of "ionizing radiation" also known as "alpha radiation" to detect smoke.  Inside an ionization detector is a small amount (usaully about 1/5000th of a gram) of americium-241 radioactive material.  During normal operation and without the presence of smoke or fire particulate matter, the ionization chamber sends a very small electrical current through the ionization chamber.  The detector goes into an "alarm" condition when particulate matter from a fire enters this chamber and disrupts the normal electrical current flow through the chamber.  Once this is detected, an "alarm condition" is generated by the unit. 

Photoelectric Detectors - This type of detector operates on a different principal.  They also have a smoke sensing chamber, however instead of sending electricity across the chamber, the photoelectric detector sends photoelectric beams of light across the sensing chamber.  Any smoke particles that are present in the chamber will instantly begin to reflect the light and change the pattern by sending the light 90 degrees from the direction it was intended.  The redirected/reflected light is then picked up and sensed by the photoelectric sensor in the detector and that condition then triggers an alarm condition on the unit. 

For smoke "alarms" (units made and sold for residential and consumer use) the unit activates an internal sounder that alerts people of the fire/smoke condition present. In an industrial or commercial application where the detector is part of a larger fire alarm and detection system, the detector creates an alarm condition and notifies the Fire Alarm Control Panel, which in turns activates and evacuation signal via the notification circuits which can be either chimes, horns or in some cases voice notification of the alarm condition.

Because of these different detection technologies, ionization sensors are more likely to detect smaller, less visible fire particles, like those produced by flaming fires, sooner than photoelectric sensors. However, photoelectric sensors are more likely to detect larger, more visible fire particles, such as those produced by smoldering fires, sooner than ionization sensors.  Remember, these detectors look very similar in body type and color.  Determining which principal a detector operates on is not always easy to tell...

Can you tell which detector is an Ionization detector and which one is a Photoelectric Detector?

So which unit is best for you?  Well again, that depends on the application you intend to use the detector for.  Hiller Systems strongly recommends contacting a factory authorized representative of these type of units and consulting with a professional to help you select the correct detector for your application.  Remember, whether you are selecting a smoke alarm for your house or a smoke detector as part of a larger fire alarm and detection system, the best choice is always to let the professionals help you!  Learn more about Hiller Systems at our website or by clicking the about us page of this blog.  If you are still determined to go it alone...here is an informative video produced and published by NFPA (the National Fire Protection Association), that may help you!

Hiller Systems Virginia can help you no matter how large or complicated your fire protection problem is!  Be sure to contact us for more information or to schedule a hazard analysis. See our line card for more information on the manufacturers we represent and the systems and services we provide.