Cardinal Cookies Frosty Gingerbread Gifts Menorah Mittens Peppermint Pinecones Sagittarius Snowball Yule
Every winter, I find myself talking about the same thing: frozen fire sprinkler systems. It’s not the most festive topic, but it’s an important one. We get at least one call every year about a system that burst after a cold snap, and the damage can be worse than most people expect. When pipes freeze, they can flood a building long before a fire ever happens. And what many people don’t realize is that water damage can cost more than the fire itself. Commercial insurance deductibles are often between $50,000 and $100,000, so a single incident can leave you with a huge out-of-pocket expense. The good news is that most of these situations are entirely preventable. Of course, the biggest risk comes from areas that don’t stay warm enough when temperatures drop. Parking garages, attics, entryways, and canopies are some of the most common trouble spots. Once the air dips near 32 F, even for a short time, water inside those pipes can start to freeze. Many large buildings use “dry systems” in these areas, which hold pressurized air instead of water until a sprinkler activates. However, they still need regular checks to ensure everything’s working the way it should. A few simple steps can make a big difference. Keep the temperature steady in all heated areas and make sure exposed pipes are properly insulated. If your system uses antifreeze, it should be tested before every winter to ensure it’s rated for the climate. For dry systems, drain condensation and test the pressure regularly. Most importantly, have your system inspected annually (or more often if required by code) to ensure it’s ready for the season. We also recommend having your fire alarm system professionally monitored. A monitored system can detect drops in pressure early and give you a heads-up before a minor issue turns into a major disaster. If you’re unsure whether your building’s fire sprinkler system is prepared for cold weather, don’t wait to find out the hard way it isn’t. We’re always happy to take a look, answer questions, and make sure your system is ready before the next cold front hits. Is Your Fire Sprinkler System Winter-Ready? THE COLD TRUTH ABOUT FROZEN PIPES
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
American-Alarms.com · 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator