Commercial fire alarm systems are integral to the success of your business.
Commercial fire alarm systems are integral to the success of your business. After all, making sure that everyone feels safe on your property should be one of your highest priorities, if not the absolute highest. Staying compliant with all local, state, and federal-level ordinances regarding building safety all mandate that you arrange for fire alarm systems to be installed and maintained. Here is a better look at how these systems are supposed to work.
The Alarm Activates
A fire alarm will activate whenever a fire is detected. Most fire alarm systems are equipped with lights and sounds to make sure everyone in the building can tell that is has gone off. There are three main types of fire alarm systems: they are known as manual, automatic, or hybrid. The hybrid system uses both methods at the same time.
Manual systems require an operator to activate them. This is most commonly seen with devices known as pull stations – areas where a person can pull a lever to activate the alarm. Many trigger points are also paired with fire extinguishers and are kept near conventional exits or emergency exits. Automatic systems will switch on when a fire triggers it, such as a smoke detector. Many commercial buildings rely on hybrid systems, using both manual and automatic devices.
The Monitor Company is Alerted
Many fire alarm systems are connected to an external monitoring system. Monitoring companies and fire departments depend on being alerted to whenever a fire breaks out. Speak to your fire protection partner to find out how you can make sure your connections to outside help is never disrupted, and if it does, to help you find out what happened. Many traditional monitoring methods use POTS (plain old telephone system) lines. Phone companies are currently moving towards fiber solutions, which are not approved methods of communicating fire alarm signals. New technologies are evolving such as cellular and radio transmissions. Whichever method is used, monitored fire alarm systems then send signals to the central station monitoring company that then contacts the first responders.
First Responders Are Sent
After the system is activated and verified, first responders are sent to your location. This helps cut down on the incidence of false alarms that can ruin your relationship with first responders who will not look kindly on the situation if their time is wasted. Firefighters will help evacuate everyone and rescue anyone who is stuck inside, and then put out the fire. Both conventional and addressable fire alarm systems are important tools needed to notify the first responders and help aid them in locating a fire threat.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are located in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.