Automatic fire sprinklers have been used in the U.S. since 1874. Fire sprinklers are widely recognized as the single most effective method for fighting the spread of fires in their early stages. Fire can become deadly in three minutes, making the elderly and disabled particularly at risk of injury or death. Fire sprinklers allow them more time to evacuate. Sprinklers reduce the average property loss by 71% per fire.
In some popular movies, a character may escape a bad situation by putting a flame under a single sprinkler head, and the flame would ignite the entire fire sprinkler system in the room or a building. This is pure fiction. In the real world, when one fire sprinkler head goes off due to a flame under it, the entire sprinkler system does NOT activate. Sprinklers react to temperature in individual rooms. Only the fire sprinkler nearest the fire will activate. Fire sprinklers do not go off all at the same time, no matter what you see in the movies.
Here are some of the other myths about fire sprinklers and the facts:
Myth 1: Smoke can set off fire sprinklers. Fact: Only high heat can set them off.
Myth 2: Fire sprinklers often leak or activate accidentally. Fact: Sprinklers accidentally going off are extremely rare.
Myth 3: Fire sprinklers are big, bulky, and too ugly to install in a building. Fact: They can be made invisible.
Here are some surprising facts about fire sprinklers:
Fire sprinklers can limit damage to a single room.
Fire sprinklers can save lives by dramatically reducing the heat, flames, and smoke produced in a fire.
Sprinklers save water because they use a lot less water than fire hoses.
Installing fire sprinklers can provide discounts on insurance premiums.
Fire sprinklers are very low maintenance.
Stay safe, and if you have questions about your sprinkler system, we are here to help.
Most of the time, we like to share blogs that give you free advice. Just some things that you don’t need to go out of your way to ask us about, or that if you did – would be wisdom that we’d give out for free. But occasionally, your problems or issues go beyond mere inquiry and seep into the area of ‘I need help!’
And when you have issues in your commercial space – you’ll clearly want to employ the help of a professional fire service company. But where do you start? What kinds of questions do you ask?
If you seemingly know almost everything except where to start, then today’s blog is for you. Here are a few things you should ask any potential fire protection company before you hire them. Let’s jump right in!
What services do you provide?
What kinds of fire protection systems you have or need will go a long way towards determining which fire protection company you go with. Some companies specialize in certain areas over others. Some only work with commercial businesses. Some only work with residential fire safety. Some dabble in both.
So when you sit down for your first conversation, ask the company what they offer and what they feel they specialize in. Then, it’s simply a matter of inventorying the companies that have the capabilities to meet your needs the best.
How much experience do you have?
The amount of experience a company has lets you know that the business you’re about to engage with has a long, extended track record. Bad businesses go away quickly, and the longer that business has been around, the more likely they are to be reputable and have some sort of calling card.
What organizations and certifications do you belong to and have?
Being in the fire safety business isn’t just a matter of tacking up some fire extinguishers to the wall and sending an invoice. Believe it or not, it’s an ongoing, ever-evolving industry with new technology and new codes to grapple with all the time. To keep up, we like to join many organizations – like the NFPA, FSSA, and the NAFED. Long story short – it takes a lot of time, knowledge, and effort to be a leader in this field, and involvement in these sorts of organizations is a good sign that the company you’re potentially going to do business with is dedicated to their craft.
Pricing
Let us say this in the clearest possible terms: Fire safety is not a joke and should never be taken lightly. Our company (and many others) emphasize quality and service. We all want a fair deal, but just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it offers you the best value.
Before selecting a fire protection company, be sure to consider all factors and make an informed decision. Be safe, and feel free to reach out to us anytime to discuss your life safety needs.
How often should my Suppression System be inspected?
Do I need to get my extinguishers recharged or replaced?
Are all my devices communicating with the Fire Alarm Panel?
MAINTENANCE PLANS GUARANTEE ANSWERS
Fire Sprinklers, Suppression Systems, Fire Alarms, Fire Extinguishers, and on, we can create a customized maintenance plan that is right for your needs. This way, you know your life safety equipment is ready in case of an emergency. For more information, contact us.
