A Case for Water Protection Kits and Staff Sprinkler Training

Recently, Shutgun chatted with Thomas Riegelman, VP of Engineering and Facilities Management for White Lodging properties about his experience in placing the Shutgun Water Protection Kit into over 170 of his properties.

Like any property owner in the hotel or lodging industry, Thomas has had his run-ins with sprinkler mishaps, most often due to brides and grooms using it as a garment hanger.

But what struck us was the emphasis that Thomas put on training his staff in cases of sprinkler emergencies.  The decision to purchase the water protection kit was one of pure necessity.

All of White Lodging Shutgun sprinkler shut off tools are placed next to the main fire panel box, so if a sprinkler is set off, the closest staff member can view the panel, grab the water protection gear and go investigate. They also ensure that each staff member is trained in how to use the Shutgun tool as well as procedures to follow.

After all, shouldn’t it be standard as part of facility management training for all front desk and night shift staff?

For many smaller properties, staffing during off hours is limited, sometimes just one person.  Having not only the proper tools, but the proper protection gear would allow them to feel more confident in investigating these types of sprinkler related incidences.  

The Shutgun Team

Case Study: Tulalip Resort & Casino

The following are exerpts from an interview with Samueal Askew, General Manager, Tulalip Resort & Casino Tulalip, WA.

How Shutgun Saved a Housekeeping Sprinkler Blunder


How did you hear about Shutgun? 
I was introduced to Shutgun at the IHMRS Show in NYC in 2012.  I was really impressed by the product itself,  the
presentation of the materials, and the service.  My purchase was made
then.
How many Shutguns have you purchased?
24 units total.

What was the decision behind your purchase? 
The quality of the Shutgun is extremely high -Well made.  It’s
also easy to use and requires little to no training to respond to an
emergency.  But the greatest decision point was the fact
that it contained a fusible link
so that if it is used in an emergency, the
sprinkler system will in turn still function if there is another incident.

How have you found the Shutgun useful to date? Absolutely!  We had new
housekeeping associate dusting in and around the laundry room and broke a
sprinkler head.  The Shutgun was quickly at hand and saved us from many
many hours of cleanup, work, and of course limited damage to the facility.

What was the best feature for you in using Shutgun?  Aside from the Fusible Link, the fact that ANYONE
can use it at ANY TIME means that our team members can respond to a situation
at a moments notice.  The local fire depart loves them and are placing
orders too!