Let’s Talk Fire Alarms
A fire alarm is common in most commercial buildings, but few of us are able to explain how it works. Your first line of defense against fire is a fire alarm system. You must first know the fire is present before you can act.
However, your fire alarm system does more than simply alert you to the fire. There are four fundamental ways that a fire alarm keeps you and your property safe.
Fire Alarm Systems Serve 4 Main Purposes
A fire alarm system protects you and your property from the dangers of fire through four measures: detecting fire, alerting occupants, managing risks, and notifying the fire department.
#1 Fire Detection
The fire alarm system is designed to detect fire in two main ways: by smoke and by heat. Additionally, the system should be capable of manual pulling in case the fire is spotted before smoke or heat reaches its sensors. When movement in the sprinkler system is detected, other systems are activated, indicating that the sprinklers are responding to a fire.
#2 Occupants Alerted to The Fire
It sounds both an audible and visible alarm when detecting smoke, heat, or water movement in a building. Your alarms will be bright, loud, obnoxious, and impossible to ignore, which will help motivate individuals to follow your evacuation plan. The use of both types of alarm ensures that everyone inside the building is notified.
#3 Helps to Manage Risks
As well as alerting you to potential dangers, the fire alarm system in your home or office can implement control measures to protect you. Activating an alarm causes some systems to take actions to protect the occupants and reduce the spread of fire and smoke. For example, automated doors are shut in different zones, the air conditioning and ventilation are turned off, or elevators are rerouted to the right place.
#4 Notifies the Authorities
Fire alarm systems provide notification to authorities as a fourth purpose. It ensures that the fire department is dispatched as soon as possible in order to mitigate the fire as soon as possible.
The Essential Capabilities of Your Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm systems are designed to serve those four purposes, but many people are unaware that they do more than just alert you to a fire. The system can also identify supervisory conditions and troubleshooting problems. This NFPA guide provides a visual representation you can view through this link.
An intuitive fire suppression system is constantly ensuring the safety of everyone within the building. A fire alarm is part of the system. That’s why it’s vital to ensure that your fire alarm system is properly maintained and repaired.
How to get the Most Out of Your Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm system technology is constantly evolving. Maintaining and upgrading your system is vital for ensuring that it is in optimal condition.
Regularly inspect all equipment
Maintaining compliance with local fire codes requires semi-annual inspections of your fire alarm system. Make sure you regularly inspect your facility so that the people and property are protected.
Prepare Staff to Respond Appropriately
If the system goes off, make sure all employees and residents know what to do. It is recommended the building be equipped with pull alarms and that fire extinguishers are easily accessible and up-to-date.
