Your fire alarm system ges attention fast, which gives you and firefighters the gift of time.
When most people think about a commercial alarm system, the idea that pops up is more about theft and burglary prevention than anything else. But fire is the most devastating thing that your business could ever suffer.
A burglar or shoplifter could carry off thousands of dollars of merchandise, or more. That’s a big loss. But a fire can take everything, right down to the building itself.
With a Sonitrol fire safety alarm system, you’ve got comprehensive coverage that brings help a lot sooner than with other systems. That’s because Sonitrol operators confirm problems before reporting them. Responders know that they’re real. But even with such broad coverage, there’s still more that you can do. Here’s how you can help the best commercial fire safety system work better.
Test Your Alarm System Regularly
It’s fairly common to forget about alarms after they’re installed. But to keep them in good working order, they need regular inspection, maintenance, and testing.
You should test your alarms every month, and replace the batteries at least once a year, says the U.S. Fire Administration.
Sonitrol can provide this fire testing on schedule, to make sure it’s tested properly and on time. If you prefer, though, you can do this on your own as well by calling our office, putting your system in test mode, and then systematically testing your devices.
Don’t: Assume that any alarm is working just because others are. All alarms need the same maintenance.
Keep the area around fire extinguishers and fire exits clear.
Keep Fire Extinguishers on Hand
Most locations require businesses to have a minimum number of fire extinguishers. They should be in plain sight and within easy reach, and every employee should know how to use them.
As with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers need regular maintenance. Some fire departments will check them for you and perform regular maintenance, and in some areas a specialized contractor can do the job for you.
Don’t: Believe that fire extinguishers are still in good condition if they’ve never been used, or store them in an area that’s hard to access.
Sprinklers add another layer of fire protection.
Install Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is usually hardwired into your electrical system and has a backup battery for good measure. But as in any other appliance, batteries don’t last forever.
Check emergency lights as often as you check fire alarms and replace the batteries as needed. For a more comprehensive check, call a technician.
Don’t: Skimp on emergency lighting. Most local codes explain the minimum number of fire safety devices. You can have more than the minimum, but you should never have fewer.
Sonitrol of Louisville can even add a full evacuation system to your current fire system. An evacuation system alerts everyone in the building when there’s a fire and direct them to the appropriate exits.
Fire prevention and protection come in a lot of different forms. There are the basics, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and some more sophisticated possibilities, too.
With Sonitrol, your whole system works together seamlessly, and central station operators keep watch over it day and night. Add your good practices into the mix, and your Sonitrol system can be more effective.
If your system needs an update, it’s time to give us a call at (502) 966-8999. Alternatively, contact us online today.
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