Hey Long Island, Fire Marshal Bob Ammann here. I’ve been a firefighter for over 20 years, and a Marshal for the past 10. They call me “Smokey” in the station, and with good reason – I’m passionate about stopping kitchen fires before they start. And when it comes to stopping grease fires, proper hood and duct installation is where the rubber meets the road.

Hoods and Ducts: Your Kitchen’s First Line of Defense

Think of your kitchen exhaust system like your lungs. The hood’s the mouth, sucking in all that greasy smoke, the ducts are the windpipe, carrying it all away. A well-designed and installed system pulls heat, grease, and dangerous fumes outta there before they can cause a fire. They also keep your kitchen air cleaner, a win-win!

“DIY? Don’t Even Think About It!”

Seems like everything’s on YouTube these days, but trust me, Hood and Duct Installation in Long Island ain’t a job for the weekend warrior. Here’s why:

• Fire and Building Codes: These systems gotta meet a bunch of strict rules. Mess it up, and you flunk inspection – or worse, create a safety hazard.
• Custom Fit Matters: One-size-fits-all is a recipe for disaster. The pros measure your kitchen, figure out the airflow, pick the right hood size… it’s part science, part art.
• The Grease Factor: It ain’t just about airflow! Those ducts gotta be the right material, the right joints, all sloped correctly to avoid grease buildup. That buildup fuels fires.

Call in the Experts: Island Fire & Defense Systems

Look, I get it. Budgets are tight. But think of a professional hood and duct install as an investment in your business. Companies like Island Fire & Defense Systems, they know the local codes inside out. Their work isn’t just compliant, it’s effective.

“Smokey Bob’s” Checklist

When choosing a company, ask about:

• Experience: How long they’ve been doing commercial kitchens, specifically.
• Licensing: Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? Don’t take shortcuts here.
• Maintenance Plan: Even the best system needs regular cleanings and checks.

Keep Your Kitchen Safe (and Legal)

Folks, a kitchen fire can shut you down fast. Don’t gamble with your business, or the safety of your staff and customers. Get those hoods and ducts installed right!