Building Management Hawaii - April/May 2012 - (Page 24)

Stop, Drop and Go Wireless New technology aids in fast response and saving lives. By Robert J. Walker W ireless communication has come a long way, especially when it comes to fire alarm systems. In fact, wireless mesh networks are • one of the newest innovations in fire safety technology. We all know how quickly a fire can destroy everything in its path. • A small trash can fire can consume 1,000 square feet in just under five minutes. The speed of your alarm communication could be the difference between life and death. It is truly amazing how many commercial, residential low- and high-rise buildings do not have some form of communication out from the life safety equipment to a central station and fire authority. Without wireless communication, fires commonly burn until someone in the area determines that there is an actual fire and then calls 911. Half of the time, the call comes from a bystander or people in a neighboring building. People exiting a building on fire are not thinking about calling the fire department. Meanwhile, time ticks by … and precious minutes are lost. AT L A S A O A O I N S U R A N C E C O N S U LTA N T S • • • • • • • • Fire So, what are the benefits of a wireless mesh network? Trust your AOAO Insurance Needs to Hawaii’s Dedicated Experts Because Condominium Insurance is complex, dealing with a specialized insurance team that understands AOAO issues is vital. As a division of Hawaii’s largest independent insurance agency, Atlas AOAO Insurance Consultants have the resources to offer you superior insurance options. Experienced AOAO Specialists Proprietary AOAO Programs In-House Loss Control and Claims Services Competitive Pricing Atlas Insurance Agency stability since 1929 Ron Tsukamaki Senior Consultant Older non-network fire alarm systems are much more prone to incidents involving poor detection, false alarms and maintenance costs. However, a fire alarm upgrade to a wireless mesh network can improve detection, notification and monitoring. Wireless mesh network systems are based on radio technology. The network is made up of radio nodes organized in a network where each node must not only capture and disseminate its data, but also serve as a relay for other nodes, that is, it must collaborate to broadcast the data in the network. This mesh of radio paths provides multiple routes so alarm signals can get through no matter what. It is the fastest signal transmission speed of any current technology, including landline phones, cellular phones and the Internet. Because the fire system is wireless, no cabling or trenching is required and installation is low cost. The network also eliminates the need for the two phone lines required by fire code to monitor your life safety equipment. By eliminating phone lines it frees you from monthly phone and cellular third-party fees. Understanding this technology will help you keep your properties safe and maintained with minimal cost. And, ultimately, the speed of your alarm communications could be the difference between life and death. A fire can double in size and intensity every 30 seconds. A Division of Atlas Insurance Agency, Inc. Mike Ayson Account Executive Phone: (808) 533-3222 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 1600, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Robert J. Walker is a security solutions integrator for Alert Alarm Hawaii. Robert is a member of the NFPA and ASIS. Alert Alarm is the largest security and fire alarm service company in the state with a local office on each Neighbor Island. 24 April - May 2012 BMH www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii - April/May 2012

Contents Building Management Hawaii, April/May 2012
DEPARTMENTS: Concrete Restoration
If You’re Not Testing, You’re Guessing. Diagnose your concrete woes to save time and money.
Corroding Rebar and Spalling Concrete. Why zinc can be a spalling solution.
Top Five Fixes for Spalling. Preventing the corrosion of your building.
Trees – Our Green Assets. How not to plant the wrong tree in the wrong place.
Watts Up? Watts Down!. What you don’t know about parking lots could cost you big bucks.
Covered Parking & Photovoltaics: A Symbiotic Relationship. Covered Parking & Photovoltaics: A Symbiotic Relationship
Fire Prevention & Response
Top 10 Fire Fighters. Preventing fires is a job for everyone, but condo boards and property managers have a particular responsibility.
Keep a Clean Chute. Maintainance of trash chutes prevents serious high-rise fires
Stop, Drop & Go Wireless. New technology aids in fast response and saving lives.
Insurance: Do Condo Owners ‘Get’ Your Master Policy?
EDITORIAL: Editor’s Note
Ask An Expert: Epoxy vs. Regular Rebar
Association Updates
Movers & Shakers
Industry News
Resource Guide: Concrete Restoration & Asphalt

Building Management Hawaii - April/May 2012