National Hurricane Preparedness Week Observed May 25–31

History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. The National Weather Service is responsible for protecting life and property through issuance of timely watches and warnings, but it is essential that your family be ready before a storm approaches. Furthermore, mariners should be aware of special safety precautions when confronted with a hurricane.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25–31, will focus on educating property owners and mariners alike on hurricane basics, storm surge, wind, inland flooding, the forecast process, getting a plan and after the storm. The theme for this year's celebration is "Be Prepared—Get A Plan! Know Your Evacuation Zone." Continue reading story

IBHS Provides Facts and Myths about Home Fire Sprinkler Systems

When a fire breaks out, your home can be gone in a matter of minutes. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) wants people to know the facts about residential fire sprinklers so homes can be properly protected. A residential fire occurs every 87 seconds, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Home fire sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene, according to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. IBHS urges homeowners to install fire sprinkler systems in order to prevent significant damage as a result of structural fires.

A Historical Perspective on the Evolution of Storage Sprinkler Design

Author HC Kung, Ph.D., FSFPE, discusses early sprinkler systems first employed in the early 20th century to protect equipment and textile goods, spray sprinklers first developed in the 1950s, recent storage sprinkler innovations, and new technologies that are being developed and that are anticipated over the next decade.

Only 16 Percent of Contractors Like Working with Big Boxes

Construction has been hard-hit by the extraordinary cold and frequent storms that impacted large parts of the country over the winter of 2013–2014. According to a survey conducted by Simpson Strong-Tie, more than 34 percent of contractors said their businesses were adversely affected by the record-breaking winter. About 8 percent reported that they had to suspend some work indefinitely. To help increase revenue, 20 percent cut back on marketing funds, and 15 percent increased quote prices on bids. More than 18 percent of contractors actually reported an increase in business. Labor costs in winter may be less than costs at other seasons, and sometimes building materials also cost less. Home Depot (30 percent) and Lowes (26 percent) were the top two stores respondents went to for building materials and tools. Ace Hardware was third at 13 percent. Location was the primary reason for choosing which home improvement store they frequented for 35 percent of respondents, with bigger selection and better prices tied for the number two spot at 17 percent each. More than 40 percent said they used bigger home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot because their prices and selection can't be beat, but would go elsewhere if it made sense. Only 16 percent reported they liked shopping at the big stores.