Fire alarm testing
Paul Sorrell
Good morning. This is an informative email to let you know we will be conducting our annual fire alarm testing at your facility from 8:30 am- finished Monday 2/2/26
What Building?
- Southern Human Services
Is this Necessary at 8:30 am on Monday?
- This is a mandated fire code and must be completed by February.
- We like to start early, so it's not a shocker in the middle of the day. It also gives us time to make any needed repairs so that we stay compliant.
Will you set off the Fire Alarm?
- Unfortunately, yes
- We have to make sure that the strobes and audible alarms work correctly. “ It is for your safety”.
How long will this noise last?
- On most occasions, we will have the alarm silenced within 10 minutes. Yes, you will only hear the noise for 10 minutes.
- Once the noise stops, you will see multiple people walking around with poles and blowing smoke into the smoke detectors. This is how we test the detectors.
Do I need to leave the building?
- You do not need to leave, but if the noise hurts your ears, you can cover them or feel free to get some air for 10 minutes.
That makes me nervous. What if there is an actual fire while you are testing?
- We “Never” say “NEVER” in this line of work!
- We will be walking around and be attentive to the facility. We ask that if you see flames or expect that there is a fire, please yell out to let us all know, and we will react by calling the Fire Department. EXIT THE BUILDING!
- Yes, if you hear one of us yelling to exit the building, please exit and follow your fire exit plan per your department.
- The Fire Marshals are also on this email and will be aware of what is going on.
Will we get to see the Fire trucks?
- If you see the fire trucks pull up, we did something wrong. The goal is no fire trucks. 😊
How will we know once this is all complete?
- We will walk around prior to setting off the alarm to let you know to be ready and aware.
- Once complete the Tech working with the Contractor will give the all clear by this email.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AS WE ENSURE YOUR SAFETY!!!!
Paul Sorrell
Orange County
Facilities Maintenance Manager
Would you like to know what to expect from your maintenance team?
WE INVITE YOU TO VIEW OUR FAQ’S PAGE FOR INFORMATION..
Paul Sorrell
Good afternoon. This is an informative email to let you know we will be conducting our annual fire alarm testing at your facility from 8:30 am- finished Thursday 2/5/26
What Building?
- Southern Human Services
Is this Necessary at 8:30 am on Thursday?
Jackson Hankins
Sent: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 12:34:11 PM
To: Building_Southern <Building...@orangecountync.gov>
Cc: Jackson Hankins <jhan...@orangecountync.gov>; Eddie Hutter <ehu...@orangecountync.gov>; Stephen Smith <stes...@orangecountync.gov>; Barry Whitt <bwh...@impactfireservices.com>; Alan Dorman <ado...@orangecountync.gov>; Katherine Prysock <kpry...@orangecountync.gov>; Melissa Tegeder <mteg...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Fire alarm testing
Jackson Hankins
Sent: Thursday, February 5, 2026 8:36 AM
To: Paul Sorrell <psor...@orangecountync.gov>; Building_Southern <Building...@orangecountync.gov>
Cc: Eddie Hutter <ehu...@orangecountync.gov>; Stephen Smith <stes...@orangecountync.gov>; Barry Whitt <bwh...@impactfireservices.com>; Alan Dorman <ado...@orangecountync.gov>; Katherine Prysock <kpry...@orangecountync.gov>; Melissa Tegeder <mteg...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Re: Fire alarm testing