A fire breakout in any commercial or residential building can be devastating. If it isn’t contained on time, not only can it cause extensive damage to your property, but can cause injuries and pose a threat to life as well. The sad truth is that most fires are preventable.
While the government tries its level best to educate the public regarding the importance of getting a reliable fire safety system installed, there are a number of commercial establishments and homes that have non-functional or outdated systems. What’s probably worse is that some properties don’t have fire systems at all.
Choosing an efficient and reliable fire system is one of the most important decisions you can make for your business or family. Statistics have shown that it takes no more than 2 minutes for a fire to become life-threatening and if the fire cannot be contained, it takes only 5 minutes for it to engulf an entire structure.
Even the best fire alarm systems last only for up to 10 years and they lose their functionality with age; and it’s important to get them replaced after that span of time. It is also recommended that your fire safety system be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its effectiveness. Here are a few tips to choose a good fire system:
Commercial
There are specific local laws and requirements governing alarm systems on commercial properties and it’s important that you check these before choosing one. Some aspects to keep in view are:
- It’s vital to have a mix of sensors, smoke detectors, smoke alarms, voice information systems and a sprinkler system.
- It’s also crucial that you stay current with any changes in the fire code related to safety and compliance. Hire the services of a company that would be able to guide you on the type of fire system that will meet the requirements of your property.
Residential
Most fire breakouts on residential properties are caused by cooking and start in the kitchen. The other common causes of fires in a home are sparks from fireplaces, careless handling of cigarettes and lack of safety awareness while using any heating appliances. The fire system you choose should be able to detect the fire and have notification capabilities; ideally, this system should be hard-wired into the electrical installation on your property. But you will find battery-operated models available as well. A few pointers:
- Place smoke alarms strategically so they cover all the living areas; there should be at least one smoke alarm on each floor and one in each bedroom as well.
- The basement and attic should also have smoke alarm installations.
- Since every fire behaves differently, it’s best to install a dual-sensor smoke alarm that can detect flaming as well as smoldering fires effectively.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor including near your garage and basement areas.
- Look for a fire system that also includes a sprinkler installation
- If you have a multi-level house, make sure the fire alarm devices can be interconnected
As you can see, there are a number of considerations that have to be kept in view while choosing the right fire alarm system. Ask a professional to help you choose the fire system you need.