Avoiding Fire Risks: Tips for Your Kitchen Hood System

Entertainment Post Staff on January 31, 2025

In commercial kitchens, the risk of a fire breaking out is ever-present. Whether due to grease buildup or cooking accidents, fires can spread quickly and cause extensive damage. Kitchen hood fire systems are designed to help minimize this risk by detecting and suppressing fires before they get out of control. However, these systems are only effective if they are properly maintained and used. Below, we’ll discuss five common mistakes to avoid when using kitchen hood fire systems to help maintain the safety and functionality of your kitchen.

1. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

One of the significant mistakes you can make with a kitchen hood fire system is neglecting its regular maintenance. Over time, grease and other flammable materials can accumulate in the hood, ductwork, and filters. If these areas are not cleaned regularly, the risk of a fire breaking out increases significantly. In addition, the fire suppression system itself needs periodic inspection to ensure all components are functioning as they should. Failing to clean the system and perform maintenance can lead to malfunctioning parts and a higher chance of failure when you need the system the most.

Most kitchen fire suppression systems include warning signs for when parts need replacement or maintenance. Following these guidelines and scheduling regular inspections with professionals can help maintain the system’s effectiveness. Doing so can help keep your system ready to handle an emergency and align with safety standards required by law.

2. Ignoring System Activation Procedures

Another common mistake is not familiarizing yourself and your staff with the correct procedures for activating the fire suppression system. While these systems are designed to operate automatically, it’s essential for kitchen staff to understand how they work and what to do in the event of an emergency. If a fire does break out, understanding the procedure for manually triggering the system can make all the difference in containing the fire.

Make sure your kitchen staff is trained on how to activate the system manually. This training should be conducted during initial onboarding and regularly refreshed to ensure that everyone is prepared to act in case of an emergency. Ignoring these procedures could result in delays during a fire emergency, which can lead to greater damage and harm.

3. Disabling or Overriding the System

In some instances, kitchen staff may override or disable the fire suppression system due to false alarms or perceived inconvenience. While it may seem easier to turn off the system temporarily, this is a dangerous practice that can have catastrophic consequences. By disabling the fire system, you’re allowing potential fires to go unchecked, even if there is a problem you haven’t noticed yet.

It’s crucial that no one, under any circumstance, disables or overrides the system unless authorized personnel are conducting maintenance. If false alarms are a problem, consider having the system inspected or reprogrammed to reduce unnecessary triggering. Ignoring the system’s automatic functions can put your entire kitchen and staff at risk.

4. Using Incompatible Cooking Equipment

Using the wrong type of cooking equipment or improperly installing equipment can interfere with the efficiency of your kitchen fire suppression system. Commercial kitchens use a wide variety of appliances, from fryers and grills to stoves and ovens. Each of these pieces of equipment produces different types of heat and flammable byproducts. If the fire suppression system is not compatible with your cooking equipment, it may not be able to extinguish a fire effectively.

Before installing new cooking equipment, it’s essential to ensure that your fire suppression system is designed to handle the specific needs of the equipment. A professional fire safety expert can help you identify the premier system for your kitchen’s setup. Additionally, it’s vital to ensure that the equipment is installed according to safety standards and that the fire system is properly calibrated to react to each type of appliance.

5. Failing to Comply with Fire Safety Regulations

Another mistake many kitchens make is failing to comply with local fire safety regulations. These regulations often require fire suppression systems to meet specific standards, such as being installed by certified professionals or being inspected on a regular basis. Failing to adhere to these regulations can not only lead to a dangerous environment but can also result in fines or the closure of your business.

Ensure that your kitchen fire suppression system complies with all local and national safety regulations. Hiring a certified fire protection service to install and inspect your system is key to ensuring compliance. These professionals will also help ensure that your system is regularly updated and meets the latest safety standards. Avoiding this critical step can expose your kitchen to both legal and safety risks.

Why Choosing a Quality Kitchen Fire Suppression System is Essential

Choosing a high-quality kitchen fire suppression system is one of the most important decisions a commercial kitchen can make. A reliable system provides peace of mind, knowing that if a fire breaks out, it will be suppressed quickly and effectively. When considering a fire suppression system for your kitchen, it’s important to consult experts who specialize in these systems, ensuring that you get the most effective protection for your needs.

In addition to seeking professional advice, you should also ensure that the system you choose has the appropriate features for your kitchen’s setup. Look for systems that include automatic fire detection, fast suppression capabilities, and remote monitoring for ongoing safety. With the right system in place and proper maintenance, your kitchen can be a much safer place for both employees and customers.

If you’re looking for more information about kitchen fire safety and the latest products, consider following Aura Fire’s Facebook page. They regularly share helpful tips, updates on fire safety regulations, and the latest in fire suppression technology. While the page is primarily focused on fire safety solutions, it’s a great way to stay informed and ask questions about your kitchen’s fire suppression system. By staying engaged with industry professionals through social platforms, you can stay informed about best practices and new developments in fire safety.

Conclusion

Kitchen fire suppression systems are essential for the safety of any commercial kitchen. However, the system’s effectiveness hinges on proper maintenance, usage, and compliance with safety standards. By avoiding common mistakes such as neglecting maintenance, disabling the system, or using incompatible equipment, you can help reduce the risk of a kitchen fire and promote a safer environment for both staff and customers. Proper practices can support the effective operation of your kitchen fire suppression system.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or legal advice. Fire safety regulations and fire suppression system requirements may vary depending on local laws and the specific needs of your kitchen. Always consult with certified fire protection professionals, local authorities, or legal experts to ensure that your kitchen’s fire safety measures comply with applicable regulations and standards

Published by Anne C.

Power Couple Helping Others Make Impact – Lamourie Media’s co-founders Tracy Lamourie and Dave Parkinson

Entertainment Post Staff on January 31, 2025

A chance meeting on a subway platform in 1994 transformed the lives of Tracy Lamourie and Dave Parkinson. Both passionate about social issues, they bonded over discussions about racism, poverty, and injustice. This shared idealistic fire sparked a lifelong partnership.

Tracy Lamourie, an acclaimed international award-winning publicist, is the Founder and Managing Director of Lamourie Media Inc, which she co-owns with her husband, Dave Parkinson. In addition to being powerful public relations professionals, the two have established themselves as Producers (co-executive producers

Additionally, Tracy is an author, advisory board member, and influential activist. Her tireless advocacy work transcends borders, causes, and industries, earning her accolades worldwide, including being named a Universal Women’s Network 2020 Woman of Inspiration Winner and a QWOTED top 100 PR professional in the first quarter of 2022.

In addition to his work in PR and film production, Dave is also an accomplished voice-over artist, and frequently quoted in media per his financial expertise. Dave’s unique skill set and media expertise are valuable assets to Lamourie Media Inc. His expertise in diverse spheres, from audiovisual production to tackling intricate social issues, have led to appearances on international platforms including CNN, Fox, MSNBC and Court TV.

Together, Tracy and Dave form an inimitable power couple, both personally and professionally. Nearly three decades since they met, they have diversified and expanded their efforts beyond advocacy into a successful business empire, but their passion for justice and change remains undiminished. Through Lamourie Media Inc., they push for impactful client messaging and leverage their skills in PR and media outreach to help individuals, businesses and causes amplify their voice and influence.

Committed to serving the community, the couple often share their expertise at various high-profile events worldwide. Their vast speaking engagements span diverse corporate and academic audiences and focus on topics ranging from self esteem to entrepreneurship, empowerment, and all aspects of media to publicity. Tracy and Dave’s educational contributions extend to webinars, panel discussions, TV appearances, and podcasts.

The triumphant story of Lamourie Media Inc. speaks for itself. Nonetheless, Tracy and Dave acknowledge the pivotal role their relationship has played in their successful entrepreneurial journey. Their experience in successfully working together spans nearly three decades, from co-hosting a local radio show, founding an internationally recognized activist organization, and working on challenging media campaigns, political campaigns, and community TV production.

The couple’s shared dedication to social justice issues led to the inception of Lamourie Media. Tracy recalls their earliest endeavor into PR when they crafted their first press release to amplify the voice of an innocent man on death row. Dave stresses the integral role of authenticity and ingenuity in their PR practices.

Beyond their significant PR industry achievements, Tracy and Dave’s work stands out for its deep-rooted commitment to socio-political change. As they amplify their clients’ voices and messages, their overarching goal continues to focus on fostering awareness around vital worldwide issues.

Leading by example, they encourage other leaders to create an open, respectful, and conducive environment that values everyone’s voices and experiences. Emphasizing the virtues of honesty, communication, shared interests and values, and intimacy, the couple firmly believes in fostering a work environment that maximizes team efforts.

At its core, Lamourie Media Inc. is a testament to Tracy and Dave’s collective passion for meaningful change. Their fortitude and tenacity have not just paved the way for their unique entrepreneurial journey but continue to inspire an array of causes, businesses, and individuals striving to make a difference.

In the dynamic duo’s own words, “There is a huge lesson in the success that comes from doing good things that you believe in. We were being a voice for the voiceless and doing our part to leave the world a better place than we found it.”

It’s a philosophy that continues to guide Lamourie Media Inc., as they “elevate and celebrate” the work of their exceptional client base.

Published by Stephanie M.

The Geometry of Art: Inside Tak Salmastyan’s Autoplasticism

Entertainment Post Staff on January 31, 2025

By: Zach Miller

How artfully can one balance emotions and logic? Few artists seem to do so, and Tak Salmastyan, the pioneer of the unique art style Auto Plasticism (a combination of Neo-Plasticism and Automatism), is leading this field. This fresh painting style, or rather, ideology, fuses the precision of mathematics with the fluidity of imagination.

Born in 1963 in Armenia during the Soviet era, Salmastyan’s early life was steeped in cultural richness and scientific curiosity. After moving to Los Angeles in 1990, he cultivated his innate creativity and honed his talents while staying engaged in artistic exploration. Over the years, Salmastyan has earned a solid reputation as an educator, inspiring countless students with his dynamic teaching style and unique outlook on creativity.

A foundational aspect of Tak’s artistic oeuvre is his pioneering of Autoplasticism, a distinctive style that merges Neo-Plasticism and Automatism. Neo-Plasticism, rooted in rigid geometric forms, and Automatism, a free-flowing method driven by subconscious impulses, form the foundation of this technique. Yet, Salmastyan’s innovation includes mathematical principles such as the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci Sequence. These elements create a balance in his compositions that feels both structured and organic.

Photo Courtesy: Tak Salmastyan (Autoplasticism, Koobik-Roobik, Composition #2)

Autoplasticism is not just a method but a philosophy. Its rules are clear: only geometric shapes are allowed, strictly adhering to horizontal and vertical lines. The final layer must also be applied in horizontal and vertical lines with similar hand movements. The minimal palette relies on primary colors (red, blue, yellow), black, white, and grey values. Despite these restrictions, the result is anything but limited. Salmastyan’s paintings radiate vibrancy, drawing viewers into a world where logic and emotion coexist.

In his manifesto, Salmastyan embraces a playful and profound persona by declaring himself “The King of Spiritual Hooligans,” a title he derives by combining his name Takvor, which translates to “The King” and the title “Spiritual Hooligan” given to him by his close friend, an art collector. He refers to himself with this title for the first time in his book, “Windows to Freedom; Tak Salmastyan Paintings.”

Salmastyan’s dedication to his craft extends beyond his studio. He taught at The Art Institute of California for nearly two decades, inspiring students to think critically and push boundaries. Tak refers to his students as “investments for society.” His friend (a fellow professor) and the Dean told him, “Tak, your reputation precedes you – all students want to be like you.” Slamastyan shares that his students call him Doc Tak, “which always makes me smile.”

Through his work, Salmastyan redefines the boundaries of abstract art. Auto Plasticism is not merely a style but a reflection of his identity, Armenian heritage, scientific training, and boundless imagination. His art invites us to explore the geometry of our emotions, proving that creativity thrives within the balance of order and chaos.

In every painting, Salmastyan captures a world where rules guide, but imagination reigns supreme. Autoplasticism, along with being an artistic invention, is a movement that challenges us to see beyond the surface and embrace the complexity of feeling and form.

Published by Tom W.