EFR Fire & Safety, Co. - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some Frequently asked questions, if you have a question, email us and we will be happy to respond and may even post it on here!

Question: How long is my fire extinguisher certification tag good for?
Answer:
A fire extinguisher is required by law to be inspected by a licensed service technician every year. If it passes the inspection the service technician puts a new certification tag on it and that tag expires the following year at the end of the month that is punched out on the tag. You as the owner of the fire extinguisher should inspect the unit every month to be sure it has not been tampered with in case of a fire.

Question: Does EFR provide fire safety training?
Answer:

Absolutely. It is a law that you and your employees be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers. It is so important that everyone knows when to "Fight or Flight"(try to put it out or get out) and how to properly operate a fire extinguisher. If your a small business owner, our service technicians are happy to show you how to use your unit when they do your annual certification. However if you are a large business, we will arrange a full fire safety class and demonstration for you and your employees. Call for more information.

Question: How do I dispose of unwanted fire equipment?
Answer:

Never throw it away in your trash. We gladly accept your old equipment to be recycled or reused. We donate used fire equipment to public fire safety awareness programs. Call ahead to let us know you will be dropping it off. We are conveniently located at: 19820 Wolf Rd. , in Mokena. We are listed with Google maps if you need directions.

Question: How do I get a quote?
Answer:

Please call our office for a quote on service or new equipment.

Question: Is there a waiting list for new customers?
Answer:

No. We will be right out to service your business!

Question: How do I save money with LED exit lighting?
Answer:

You will save up to 88.00 per year for each emergency exit light in your building, when you convert to LED lighting. We offer conversion kits at an unbeatable price. The bulbs have a 5 YEAR life (saves you time) and only use 2.6 Watts of energy! Your saving money, time, and helping save the environment!!

Question: How do I know what size and type of fire extinguisher I need?
Answer:

Our Fire Safety Technicians are trained and licensed by the State of Illinois Fire Marshall to know what would is required for individual needs. We are always happy to assist you in making the safest and most cost effective decision for your home or business. For business' there are local requirements according to each Fire Department. For homes you can choose at your discretion the type of fire protection you prefer. We can usually tell you over the phone what is the most effective fire extinguisher for you, feel free to call.

Question: How do fire extinguishers work?
Answer:
The following are the 3 most common types of Fire Extinguishers: A Water Extinguisher can put out things like burning wood, paper or cardboard, but it does not work well on electrical fires or fires involving inflammable liquids. In an electrical fire, the water may conduct the current, which can electrocute you. Water will only spread out an inflammable liquid, which will most likely make the fire worse. In a carbon dioxide extinguisher, the carbon dioxide is kept in pressurized liquid form in the cylinder. When the container is opened, the carbon dioxide expands to form a gas in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide gas is heavier than oxygen, so it displaces the oxygen surrounding the burning fuel. This sort of fire extinguisher is common in restaurants because it won't contaminate the cooking equipment or food. The most popular extinguisher is a dry chemical foam or powder, typically made of sodium bicarbonate (normal baking soda), potassium bicarbonate (nearly identical to baking soda), or monoammonium phosphate. Baking soda starts to decompose at only 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius), and when it decomposes, it releases carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide, along with the insulation of the foam, works to smother the fire. Most fire extinguishers contain a fairly small amount of fire-suppressant material -- you can use it all up in a matter of seconds. For this reason, extinguishers are only effective on relatively small, contained fires.