Fire-Lite Alarms Steps Up Presence on digital media

NORTHFORD, Conn., February 28, 2013 – Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell (NYSE:HON) has launched a number of multi-media programs to make information and education more accessible to a wide array of installers, integrators and facility managers. Free Webinars, “How-To” videos and online trainings are being used to educate, while Twitter and LinkedIn social media sites offer both up-to-the-minute information, as well as forums for open communications with industry experts and peers.

With more than 800 registrations for its recent Webinar on the 2013 edition of NFPA 72 code, Fire-Lite Alarms sees the value in educating its fire alarm dealers and end users on best practices, industry trends and new technologies. Registration is now open for a new round of free Webinars and recordings of previous Webinars will remain online for immediate viewing.

Considering YouTube is now the second largest search engine in the U.S., and the use of mobile devices continues to rise among field technicians and facility managers on the job, Fire-Lite Alarms has established its own YouTube channel of short, “How-To” videos. These visual tutorials cover many of the most common technical support and training issues, such as how to program a notification appliance circuit or how to wire a remote sync output.

“The message is loud and clear – people want immediate information on our equipment, how to use it and how to troubleshoot any issues. And whatever the vehicle, it needs to be quick and to the point,” says Liz Richards, Fire-Lite Alarms communications manager. “If they want more information afterward, then they can do some Web browsing or contact Fire-Lite directly.”

In response to overwhelming customer requests, Fire-Lite Alarms also launched a number of free, online training modules, each worth 0.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Since their first use in early June, the six online training courses have been viewed nearly 2,000 times.

Research from top-10 Internet reporting agencies, such as Marketing Pilgrim, predict customer engagement using social media will increase within five years to 57%—the second-most used channel, behind only face-to-face interaction. Seeing a better method for communicating product news, technical updates and industry information to its customers, Fire-Lite Alarms grasped the networking opportunities offered by LinkedIn and Twitter (@FireLiteAlarms). However, the conversations and online communities these platforms have sparked are viewed as the biggest benefit of all.  

“They appreciate receiving new info, but what our customers like most is having an easy means for telling us their ideas, asking questions and talking with other users,” says Richards. “And we do fun stuff like contests too.”