Author: Brian Robinson

We’re Local, Loyal, and Fire-Proof.

Proudly family-owned and operated right here in Northeast Ohio – delivering personalized, certified fire protection you can trust.

Your Local Fire Protection Partner – Not a Big Chain

At Cardinal Fire & Safety, we’re not part of some national franchise. We’re independently owned and operated right here in Summit County, Northeast Ohio – and we live and work in the communities we serve.

That means faster response times, personalized service, and a genuine commitment to keeping your property and people safe. No corporate red tape, no impersonal call centers – just local experts who care.

Over 15 Years of Hands-On Industry Experience

Owner and lead technician Mike Bowles brings more than 15 years of dedicated fire protection experience. He’s fully certified to handle every category we offer – including backflow prevention testing, fire alarm monitoring, sprinklers, extinguishers, hydrants, fire pumps, and more.

Our Current Focus: Backflow Testing & 24/7 Monitoring

Backflow Prevention Testing & Service

Protect your water supply and stay compliant with local EPA and Ohio regulations. We test, repair, and replace backflow prevention devices of any size – from small commercial setups to large industrial systems.

• ✅ Free Fire Protection Assessment
• ✅ Fast, accurate reports & documentation
• ✅ Repairs & replacements when needed
• ✅ Help with violation notices & compliance

Don’t risk fines or shutdowns – let your local team handle it.

24/7 Fire Alarm Monitoring

24/7 Fire Alarm Monitoring

Peace of mind around the clock. Our UL-listed, Five Diamond Certified central station monitoring ensures your fire alarms are watched 24/7 – even when your business is closed.

• ✅ Immediate dispatch on alarm activation
• ✅ Reduced false alarms & faster response
• ✅ Cell dial or land line
• ✅ Integrated with your existing systems

When seconds matter, our local monitoring keeps you covered.

 Why Northeast Ohio Businesses Choose Cardinal Fire & Safety

Truly Local

Serving Summit County and surrounding NE Ohio areas – we know these communities like our own backyard.

Certified & Experienced

Mike and our team are fully licensed for all services – no outsourcing, no surprises.

Ready to Protect Your Property the Local Way?

Get in touch with Mike and the Cardinal Fire team for a no-obligation quote on backflow testing, monitoring, or any of our fire protection services.

Last updated: January 23, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Cardinal Fire & Safety (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a fire protection services company serving Northeast Ohio, collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you interact with our website (www.cardinal-fire.com) (www.cardinal-fire.com), request services (such as backflow testing, fire alarm inspections, or quotes), or submit information through our Google Ads lead forms or other contact methods.We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable laws, including those in the United States (such as CCPA/CPRA where relevant) and Google Ads requirements for lead forms.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information you provide directly:
  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Business name
  • Property address or location details
  • Service requests (e.g., backflow testing, fire alarm inspection, or other fire protection needs)
• Automatically Collected Information:
  • IP address
  • Browser type and device information
  • Pages visited on our website
  • Referral sources (e.g., from Google Ads)
• Information from Lead Forms (via Google Ads):
  • Contact details submitted in response to our ads, such as name, email, phone, and custom questions about your service needs.

We do not collect sensitive personal information (e.g., financial details, health data) unless directly necessary for providing services, and we never sell your personal information.

2. How We Use Your InformationWe use your information to:

• Provide and improve our fire protection services (e.g., scheduling inspections, backflow testing, repairs, or installations).
• Respond to inquiries, send quotes, or schedule appointments.
• Communicate with you about services, updates, or promotions (with your consent where required).
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., Ohio EPA or local regulations for backflow and fire safety compliance).
• Analyze website usage to enhance user experience.
• Display targeted ads (including remarketing via Google Ads) based on your interactions.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:

• Service providers (e.g., Google for ad performance, email tools, or scheduling software) who help us operate our business.
• Third parties as required by law (e.g., regulatory authorities for fire safety compliance).
• Business partners only with your explicit consent.

All third parties are contractually required to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify

.4. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information.
• Opt out of marketing communications (unsubscribe links are provided).
• Request we stop processing your data (subject to legal exceptions).

To exercise these rights, contact us at the details below.

6. Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies for analytics and advertising (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Ads). You can manage preferences via your browser settings or our cookie consent tool (if implemented).

7. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with an updated effective date.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:

Cardinal Fire & Safety
911 Graham Rd Suit 45
PMB 117
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Email: sales@cardinal-fire.com
Phone: (216) 278-7866

Fire watch procedures are a set of protocols that are followed by designated personnel, known as fire watch guards, to ensure the safety of a building or facility in the event of a fire or other emergency. These procedures are implemented when the fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service, or when there is a significant risk of fire in the building. The main goal of fire watch procedures is to detect and report fires as soon as possible, to minimize the potential damage and loss of life.

The specific procedures for fire watch can vary depending on the company or organization, but generally, they include the following steps:

1. Preparation: Before the fire watch begins, the fire watch guards will receive training on the layout of the building, the location of fire alarms and extinguishers, and the evacuation plan. They will also be given a list of contact information for the local fire department and other emergency services.
2. Patrols: The fire watch guards will conduct regular patrols of the building to ensure that it is free of fire hazards and that all exits are clear. They will also check the fire alarms and sprinkler system to ensure that they are in working order.
3. Reporting: If the fire watch guards detect a fire or other emergency, they will immediately report it to the local fire department and other emergency services. They will also assist with the evacuation of the building and direct people to the designated assembly area.
4. Documentation: The fire watch guards will document all incidents, including the time, location, and details of the fire or emergency, as well as the actions taken to address it. This documentation will be used to improve fire safety procedures in the future.
5. Communication: The fire watch guards will keep in communication with the building’s occupants and staff and will provide them with clear instructions in case of an emergency.

It’s important to note that fire watch procedures should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they are current and effective, and that the fire watch personnel are properly trained. In addition, proper fire watch procedures should be in compliance with local codes and regulations.

There are several levels of impairment on a fire alarm system, including:

1. System impairment: This occurs when a component of the fire alarm system is not functioning properly, causing the entire system to be impaired.
2. Sensitivity impairment: This occurs when the system’s sensitivity is set too high, causing it to trigger false alarms.
3. Communication impairment: This occurs when the system’s communication pathways, such as phone lines or internet connections, are not functioning properly, preventing the system from transmitting an alarm signal.
4. Power impairment: This occurs when the system’s power source, such as batteries or a generator, is not functioning properly, causing the system to lose power and not function.
5. Tampering impairment: This occurs when someone intentionally or accidentally damages or disables the fire alarm system.

It’s important to note that impairment of fire alarm systems can compromise the safety of the building and its inhabitants, so regular maintenance and testing is important to keep the system working properly.

It is best to contact a professional fire alarm technician for assistance.

In commercial buildings, fire alarm systems are typically more complex and may include a combination of smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, and audible and visual alarms. The fire alarm system may also be connected to a central monitoring station, which is notified in the event of an emergency.

It’s also important for commercial buildings to have regular fire drills and for building occupants to be familiar with emergency procedures in case of a real fire. Building management should also ensure that the fire alarm system is properly maintained and tested on a regular basis to minimize the likelihood of false alarms.

If you receive a violation for a backflow prevention device, you should take the following steps:

1. Review the violation notice to understand the specific issue that needs to be addressed.
2. Schedule an inspection with a certified backflow prevention device tester to have the device tested and repaired, if necessary.
3. Correct any identified issues and provide documentation of the repairs to the appropriate authority.
4. Keep records of all testing and repairs, in case of future audits.

One call to Cardinal Fire & Safety and we will take care of all of the items above on your behalf.

It’s very important to take necessary steps to correct the violation as soon as possible as backflow prevention is a critical safety measure that helps to prevent contamination of the public water supply.

If you receive a fire safety citation from the fire department, it is important to take immediate action to address any issues identified in the citation. This may include making necessary repairs or changes to your property, or providing additional information or documentation to the fire department. You should also comply with any deadlines or requirements specified in the citation to avoid additional penalties or fines.

1. Review the citation: Carefully read and understand the citation and the specific violations that have been identified.
2. Take corrective action: Identify and implement the necessary steps to correct any violations and bring your property into compliance with fire safety regulations.
3. Contact the fire department: If you have any questions or concerns about the citation, reach out to the fire department and ask for clarification.
4. Appeal the citation: If you believe the citation was issued in error, you have the right to appeal.
5. Keep records: Keep records of all correspondence, documentation, and any other information related to the citation.
6. Get Professional Help: In case of complex issues, It would be better to hire a fire safety professional or attorney to help you navigate the process.

Note: Fire safety citations can be serious and can result in fines, penalties, and even legal action, so it is important to take them seriously and take prompt action to address any issues.

Fire sprinkler systems require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly and are ready to activate in case of a fire. The frequency and scope of inspections and maintenance will depend on the type of system and the local codes and regulations. However, as a general rule, the following guidelines apply:

1. Annual inspections: Fire sprinkler systems should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified inspector to ensure that they are in good working condition and that all components are functioning properly.
2. Five-year inspections: Some components of fire sprinkler systems, such as sprinkler heads and valves, should be inspected every five years by a qualified inspector to ensure that they are not obstructed and that they will function properly in case of a fire.
3. Hydrostatic testing: Fire sprinkler systems should be hydrostatically tested every five years to ensure that the system can withstand the pressure of the water flow.
4. Maintenance: Fire sprinkler systems should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good working condition. This includes tasks such as cleaning and lubricating moving parts, replacing worn or damaged components, and ensuring that the system is properly pressurized.
5. Additional Inspections: Additional inspections may be required depending on the type of system, location, and use of the building. For example, systems in corrosive or harsh environments may require more frequent inspections or maintenance.

It’s important for businesses to keep records of all inspection, maintenance and testing activities, and to keep them up to date, as it can be a requirement from the local authorities or insurance company.

Cardinal Fire will keep your fire sprinkler systems in good working order and maintain all record keeping on your behalf using our secure online system. We will test, fix, and certify your sprinkler system. Call us today for a free site visit.

Businesses should have monitored fire alarms for several reasons:

1. Immediate response: Monitored fire alarms are connected to a central monitoring station, which means that emergency services will be notified immediately if a fire is detected. This can lead to a faster response time and can help to minimize damage and injuries.
2. 24/7 protection: Monitored fire alarms provide protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when the business is closed.
3. Reduced risk of false alarms: Monitored fire alarms are typically more reliable than traditional fire alarms. They are less likely to produce false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary emergency services calls and can cause employees and customers to become complacent about fire alarms in general.
4. Remote access: With monitored fire alarms, business owners can access the status of their fire alarm system remotely and can make changes or adjustments as needed.
5. Peace of mind: Knowing that your business is protected by a monitored fire alarm can give you peace of mind, and can help you to focus on running your business.
6. Meet Legal requirement: Many municipalities and insurance companies require monitored fire alarms as a condition of doing business. This can help businesses to avoid costly fines and penalties for non-compliance.
7. Cost effective: Monitored fire alarms can be more cost-effective in the long run than traditional fire alarms. By having a central monitoring station, businesses can avoid additional costs for maintenance and monitoring.

There are several reasons why a small or medium business may choose to hire a locally owned fire safety company:

1. Personalized service: Locally owned companies are typically smaller and more nimble than larger, national companies. This allows them to provide a more personalized service and tailor their solutions to the specific needs of their clients.
2. Knowledge of local codes and regulations: Locally owned fire safety companies are typically more familiar with the specific fire safety codes and regulations that apply to businesses in their area. This ensures that the solutions they provide will be in compliance with all local laws and regulations.
3. Faster response times: Locally owned fire safety companies are typically located closer to their clients than larger, national companies. This means that they can respond to service calls and emergency situations more quickly.
4. Stronger community ties: Locally owned fire safety companies are typically more invested in the community in which they operate. They are more likely to invest in the community through charitable activities, and they are more likely to understand and be sensitive to the specific needs of the community.
5. Competitive pricing: Locally owned companies usually offer more competitive pricing than larger, national companies. Since they have less overhead expenses, they can pass the savings on to the customer.
6. Support local economy: Hiring a locally owned fire safety company can support the local economy, it can create jobs, and it can help to sustain local business.