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Ward’s Island Fire of 1923

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Ward’s Island Fire of 1923

While many New Yorkers are familiar with the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911, the Ward’s Island Fire of 1923 was also a significant factor in shaping public opinion regarding fire safety in the New York Metropolitan area. On February 18, 1923, a fire at the Ward’s Island Hospital for the Mentally Ill broke out and claimed the lives of 24 patients and three employees. The City’s administration faced almost immediate scrutiny about not only the overcrowding conditions present in the hospital, but also the City’s slow-moving process in modernizing hospitals to the new fire resistance standards required as a result of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Negative public opinion fueled mounting pressure for New York politicians, who up until this point, had taken little action to remedy the situation.

In response to this tragedy, the Governor swiftly responded, ordering the modernization of existing mental health facilities in the Greater New York area, as well as the construction of new facilities with emergency funding. Eventually, sprinklers would be required to be installed in these facilities to further protect their occupants.
Today, all new hospitals are required to have automatic fire sprinklers installed – Unfortunately, the Ward’s Island Fire of 1923 helped make that goal a reality.

Don’t Gamble with Fire!

Anti-Freeze Systems and You

Anti-Freeze Systems

Anti-Freeze systems, or wet pipe sprinkler systems that employ a liquid solution to prevent freezing of the system, used to be a common solution to protect small areas subject to freezing in cold weather. Several fire deaths, however, brought to light issues regarding the use of certain types of anti-freeze in anti-freeze systems. It was determined that high concentrations of anti-freeze solution in piping networks could be flammable under the right conditions. Subsequently, the National Fire Protection Association moved to put restrictions on the use of these anti-freeze solutions in sprinkler systems. At the end of 2022, NFPA 25 will no longer allow the use of standard propylene glycol and glycerin solutions in existing systems. Instead, owners of anti-freeze sprinkler systems must use UL certified anti-freeze solutions to fill their systems.

The care of your anti-freeze sprinkler system is vital to its effectiveness when combating a fire. For more information regarding this new legislation, contact us here at Modern Sprinkler.

January 7th, 2019

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE!

Happy New Year! As New York went through another record construction year, ABCO Peerless Sprinkler was hard at work designing, installing, inspecting, testing and maintaining fire protection systems all over the Greater New York Metropolitan area. In our 60th year, we were involved in a bunch of amazing things. Here are some of the most notable:

  • Installed fire protection systems at the Staten Island Mall, the Apple Flagship Store on 5th Avenue, Time Warner's new Headquarters at Hudson Yards, Group M's new Headquarters at the newly developed 3 World Trade Center and Sotheby's World Headquarters.
  • Continued our involvement in the Industry and Code Development as the NYC Building Code looks to be wrapped up by the end of 2019
  • Contributed to many of our favorite charities as we've done in years past
  • Invested in new technologies in many areas in our business to help us be more efficient and productive
  • Promoted several of our key employees into new positions
    • Christoper Cronauer - Senior Vice President
    • Timothy W. Bowe II - Vice President and Treasurer
    • Patrick R. Bowe - Executive Vice President

Stay Tuned for more news in 2019!

Don't Gamble with Fire!

January 7th, 2019

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Now that 2018 is over, we have a chance to catch our breath, review the past year here at Modern Sprinkler and let you in on some new service initiatives we have in store for 2019:

  • Enhanced reporting and distribution - we are committed to continuing to provide thorough, accurate inspection reports and distributing them in a timely fashion.  That's why we've implemented modified review procedures in our office to get you your reviewed reports quicker. We are also developing additional checks and balances with our field personnel that will help them develop more thorough inspection reports
  • Quicker turn around time on repairs - Modern is also committed to making sure your fire protection system is in good working order. We will be speeding up scheduling for critical repairs in an effort to make sure your system will be there when you need it
  • Referral program - Any current customer that successfully refers a new customer to Modern Sprinkler will receive a 5% credit on their next contract year. Please contact the office for more details.

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year,

Jordan Pasternak

March 15th, 2018

Spring Has Sprung (Almost!)

Spring has Sprung (Almost!)

While it looks like we may get hit with a 4th (yes, 4th) nor'easter next week, it is important to be cognizant of a few things when it comes to your fire sprinkler system before, during and after the storm comes.

  • Temperature - make sure areas where water filled sprinkler and standpipe piping exist stay above 40 degrees. This isn't any different than the checks you've been conducting all winter - let's keep it going for the next week or two until Spring decides to stay for good
  • Clearance in front of Fire Department Connections - it is your responsibility to maintain a clear area around your facility's fire department connection at all times. Make sure snow, snow removal equipment or any other items that may obstruct Fire Department access are removed from the area in front and around your FDC. 3' on each side of the connection and 6' above it are good guidelines for clear area. Remember, the faster the Fire Department can locate and connect to your facility's FDC, the faster a fire condition can be controlled.
  • Power loss - if you experience a loss in power before, during of after next week's storm and have a dry sprinkler system, please notify us. The last thing we want to see happen is your system filling with water and freezing because your air compressor is no longer running.

If you have any questions about how you can further ready your fire sprinkler system in the event of a weather emergency, please call our office and one of our qualified staff can assist you. Stay safe and looking forward to warmer weather coming soon!

January 5th, 2018

Happy New Year!

On behalf of Modern Sprinkler, I would like to wish all of you a happy and prosperous New Year. 2017 saw some major changes for Modern, the largest of which was our move to brand new software in order to serve you better. We hope that you were pleased with our service throughout 2017 and thank you for placing your trust in Modern.

With the New Year comes well below freezing temperatures outside, and this becomes a very hazardous time for all types of sprinkler systems. In order to ensure continued operation of your sprinkler system, your vigilance in following some simple steps means a world of difference:

  • Have a building employee walk through and visually inspect the sprinkler system every day. Things to look out for are cracked piping, broken/fused heads, and ice buildup. Leaking piping is a surefire indicator that damage has occurred. However, if the piping is still frozen, potential damage may appear after the cold weather has subsided.
  • Make sure that all areas containing wet sprinkler piping are properly heated. A temperature of 40F should be maintained at all times in areas where water filled sprinkler piping is present. Something so small as a space heater can make a huge difference in keeping your sprinkler system operational.

 However, should your system freeze, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are available 24/7 to do what’s necessary to keep your system in service and you safe.

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year,

Jordan Pasternak

November 15th, 2017

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE!

We are excited to announce the launching of our new website here at Modern Sprinkler Corporation. You will notice we've added many new sections to our website, including an online portal for all of our valued customers. We hope you enjoy all of the new features and look forward to the future of our website!

Maintaining the Trust of the Greater New York City Area since 1932!

November 15th, 2017

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE!

We are excited to announce to launching of our new website here at ABCO Peerless Sprinkler Corporation. You will notice we've added many new sections to our website - most notably the projects section, which showcases ABCO Peerless' dedication to providing unparalleled quality and service to our customers. We hope you enjoy all of the new features and look forward to the future of our website!

Don't Gamble with Fire!