In order to reduce the number of injuries, fatalities, and property damage due to fires, it’s important for buildings to have proper systems in place. Studies show that when early warning systems and automatic sprinklers are professionally installed in buildings, this can reduce the aforementioned by a minimum of half. Furthermore, regular maintenance, fire alarm inspections, and fire evacuation plans are also essential.

Sprinkler System Activation

When a study of fires was conducted, the sprinklers worked with 91% of the structure fires. This is taking into consideration that the actual size of the fires were sufficient to activate these systems. It’s important to note that under these circumstances, the sprinklers were effective 55% of the time. When structure fires activated operational equipment within the vicinity of dry or possibly wet chemical systems, 81% of the reported fires did activate the equipment. These systems did, however, fail to operate in 19% of the cases.

Quick response sprinklers release less water per minute than fire hoses. Given this, water damage can potentially be reduced. A quick response sprinkler, for example, releases eight to 24 gallons of water per minute. Fire hoses, on the other hand, release 80 to 125 gallons of water per minute.

The Role of Regular Maintenance

The importance of regular maintenance cannot be sufficiently stressed. When failures have occurred with dry or possibly wet chemical systems, 44% of these resulted from a lack of maintenance. When these systems were in operating order, 69% were determined to be effective.

Creating Fire Evacuation Plans

Businesses and other enterprises should have a fire evacuation plan in place. Furthermore, regular drills should also be conducted so that confusion and panic is minimized should a fire break out. According to a survey with 119 businesses, however, just 45% had some type of plan in place. Once a plan, which may also include alternate plans, is created, regular fire drills should also be conducted. In this way, personnel and other individuals on the property will be better prepared should a fire break out.

Schedule a Fire Alarm Inspection

It’s vital to schedule regular fire alarm inspections so that a building’s early warning systems are in optimal working condition. When fire alarm inspectors discover that these or other systems are in need of repair and replacement, this can make a significant difference in the safety of your personnel, customers, and other individuals that may conduct business at your establishment. Once you set up regular fire alarm inspections with your local fire protection company, they will be able to inform you about the different types of fire protection services that they offer.