8 Reasons You Should Have a Fire Protection System in Your Home

Your home and family are two of the most important "possessions" you have. And, as a responsible adult you want to protect them in every way you can. For the home or business owner, there are very few things more devastating than fire. And yet, many homes and offices still do not have an effective fire protection. If you think that you can beat the odds, and not need to get fire protection, then consider these facts from the National Fire Protection Agency.

• Fires kill more people in America every year than all the natural disaster combined, with 80% of these deaths occurring in the home. In fact, nationwide, there are more than 4,000 people killed by fires.
• Installing both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system reduces the risk of death due to a home fire by 82%
• The NFPA has no record of a fire killing more than 2 people in a completely sprinklered public assembly, educational, institutional, or residential building where the sprinkler system was working properly.
• According to the CDC, in 2008 fire departments responded to 403,000 home fires in the U.S. There were 2,755 (not including firefighters) deaths, and another 13,560 civilians injured.
• Fire and burn injuries, in 2006, resulted in $7.5 billion dollars spent in medical care.

Basic Reasons to Choose a Fire Sprinkler System in Your Home

If you are still not sold on why you should have a fire sprinkler system in your home, for whatever reasons, consider these 8 statements:

1. Fire hoses, typically use more than 8 1/2 times more water than sprinklers do to contain a fire, this is a difference of firefighters using 2,935 gallons of water versus the 341 gallons of water used by a sprinkler system. The ultimate result being that there is less water damage to items in the home, yet the fire is still contained effectively and efficiently. It should also be noted that only the sprinkler closest to the fire, and will spray directly on the fire.
2. In 90% of home fires it is only necessary to use one sprinkler to contain the fire.
3. The chances of a sprinkler accidentally discharging due to manufacturing defects are extremely rare. In addition, modern sprinklers provide inconspicuous protection.
4. Installing a fire sprinkler saves lives, reduces property loss and can even lower homeowner insurance premiums.
5. When you are building a new residence, having a fire sprinkler system added to the construction only increases building cost by 1-1.5%.
6. The chances of a fire sprinkler not working are slim and are dependent on the plumbing system in the home. If the plumbing is functioning correctly, so will the fire sprinkler.
7. In the majority of cases, a home sprinkler system can contain and potentially extinguish a fire faster than the fire department can arrive on the scene.
8. Residential sprinklers systems can be recessed into the walls or ceilings, and some can be painted to match the room's decor.

For additional information on the topic of fire sprinkler systems visit Brothers Fire. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Brothers Fire. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Commercial Losses - Fire Control and Suppression Systems Can Prevent Financial Loss

Fire alarm systems are required by law in almost every commercial and industrial place of business. There are few exceptions to this rule. Deciding which type of fire alarm system and suppression system is rarely left up to the business owner or property owner. Specific alarm systems and monitoring panels will be determined by the local authorities.

Even though building codes and fire codes will dictate the type of system needing to be installed, these requirements are strictly the bare minimum that the local jurisdictions and state government mandate. Frequently the bare minimum will still result in vast amounts of property damage. For this reason it is always important to inquire of the fire alarm installation company how best to improve on the fire codes with regards to the installed fire suppression system.

If the building or facility is being erected, going the extra mile by installing additional fire prevention measures will lower the chances of extensive property loss when a fire does occur. For proper installation of a new fire alarm and suppression system or improving a current fire control system, contracting with a professional and competent installation company will need to be arranged. With new construction, this is taken care of by the general contractor overseeing the entire construction project. If the building is already established and occupied, then any improvements to the fire alarm system will most likely be set into motion by the property owner or property manager.

Fortunately fire codes do not change drastically or frequently, but if the codes do change, occasionally those structures currently established may not need to upgrade the current fire suppression system due to being grandfathered. One exception to this rule may be when the property is sold.

Local or state law may dictate that in order to complete the real estate transaction the existing fire suppression system, including the control panel, may need to be updated. Should this be the case, the cost can be surprising. The expense of upgrading or modernizing the fire control components will need to be taken into account along with the details of the real estate transaction. Many real estate agencies and service will not always be aware of specifics of this type.

It is recommended that the sale of the commercial property be contingent upon a fire inspection. Many professional and experienced fire alarm installation firms can be utilized in this manner. Without a satisfactory inspection, the new property owner may be fined and ordered to improve or bring the current suppression system up to date which can easily reach into the thousands.

For additional information on the topic of security and fire alarms as well as inspections visit http://www.brothersfire.com.