A residential or commercial building or structure is meant to provide a safe, healthy environment for people to work and live on and it does, most of the time, except when there are fire incidents. Amidst the pandemic that hit the world at the beginning of the year, most people were confined in their homes. While everyone is hoping for the best, we can’t ignore the fact that the summer season has arrived and hotter and more humid weather can be expected. With the increase in temperature, the chances of fire incidents also increase. With the increasing number of fire incidents, it is necessary to ensure all the things that are made to keep us safe must be working properly.
According to the US Fire Administration’s 2018 data, the number one reason for fire for a both residential and commercial building is caused by cooking with 50.7% and 30.6% respectively and out of all the fires that had happened in the whole U.S., there is a reported fatality rate of 78.5% and reported injury of 85.3%. On the state of Utah alone, fatality and injury rates at 72.2% and 69.6% respectively. Not to mention the loss of valuable things lost during the fire and the property damages and the corresponding dollar amount.
Is there something that could have been done to avoid those incidents? Is there something that could have saved those casualties? Is there something that could have saved those valuables and prevented the property damages? Maybe not all of it, nothing could have been done, but, moving forward, something can help to avoid turning a small incident into a catastrophe.
Having a reliable fire protection system is very important to help diminish if not remove the chances of being in that kind of situation. It’s good to know more about fire protection systems and the benefits of having one.
What is a Fire Protection System?
Fire Protection System is an interconnected network or a mechanism that consists of different equipment that typically works together to protect people from fire and contain it to a minimum. This system is created and is put into standards with these 3 primary goals in mind; to make sure that properties, belongings, and life will be saved, enclose the fire to its starting point, and smother the fire as soon as possible with the least damage.
What are the different types of Fire Protection System?
The fire protection system is a customizable security strategy that includes processes and steps to ensure that both occupants and property are safe in cases of fire. Contrary to the common belief, a fire protection system for one household should be the same for everybody. It definitely does not fit in the category of having a one size fits all system. Specific requirements are depending on the building’s size and purpose. A commercial building would need a more intricate and advanced fire protection system compared to a residential because they also pose different risks. For example, a restaurant building might be required to have three types of fire protection system installed while a bookstore will only be required one. This is because of the probability of catching fire due to the class classification of the things like materials and equipment that is used in the building, here are some fire protection system that is commonly installed;
• Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems – the most common of all the fire protection systems are the sprinklers. The sprinkler is connected to pipes that have water on it, therefore, discharging water immediately once activated.
• Dry Fire Sprinkler Systems – one of the common protection systems, the sprinklers. This was made to address the freezing issue that happens on a wet fire sprinkler. The dry fire sprinkler functions the same as the wet fire sprinkler however, the pipe is filled with nitrogen. In case that the system is activated, water will not be dispensed immediately because it needs to dispense the dry gas first.
•Special Hazard Fire Protection Systems – this is designed to identify if a fire or abnormal heat is beginning to happen. This is designed to suppress fire especially those that can’t be extinguished by common fire protection systems.
•Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems – this system was designed to identify fire before it gets evident. It is created to kill the fire upon ignition to avoid further spread of it.
•Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems – This system uses gases that condense the oxygen level like nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. These gases can also be used safely around people.
•Foam Fire Suppression Systems – made out of the water, air and foam concentrate, when used, homogenous foam covers the area and quenches the fire.
It will still be best to have an expert fire alarm company in Utah to check on your property and give you advice as to what will be the best system to use.
Is it required to install a Fire Protection System?
The requirement of fire protection systems is guideline under the International Fire Code, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Code and State Law and Building Code. In general, commercial buildings should have fire protection systems installed as required by law and building code. Residential on the other hand is not required by the National Fire Protection Association unless the state adopts or mandates it.
Why is it important to get a Fire Protection System?
For building owners and businesses, the safety of your workers should and always is the top priority. Aside from limiting the damage and preventing interruption of business operations, it is also a small price to pay compared to the damages, loss, and possible loss on your insurance claims. While there are regulations in place to make sure that everyone follows, there are still other benefits in getting these systems aside from eluding fines. One of them is that insurance that businesses and building owners religiously pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annually depending on the arrangement. The insurance premiums are also different depending on the level of risk on that specific business or structure, for example, a restaurant will pay a higher premium compared to a notary because it is more susceptible to fire incidents. Some insurance companies might be more lenient than others but, there are insurance companies that have it in their fine prints that a specific set of fire protection system(s) is or are required to a specific type of building, business, and insurance. Failure to comply with these will mean that if the business or the building was engulfed in fire, the insurance claim is not something the owner will be looking forward to. That can all be avoided by contacting the best fire alarm company in Utah – Protek Fire & Systems.
Bottom Line:
Like all businesses, an efficient, reliable, and effective system will help in saving more than what can be paid for. Unlike these systems that have a price, your building, your business, your employees are irreplaceable. There are things in life that can’t be replaced or repurchased and for that very reason, even if that is something that you don’t want to happen, it is something that you need to prepare for if in case it happens. Yes, there are a lot of alarm companies; all you need to do is find the right one. If you happen to be in Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming, you are exceptionally lucky because you can have the best fire alarm company in Utah, undoubtedly, one of the best in the whole country. Protek Fire & Systems have 30 years of expert experience to provide you the best value for your money.
