Four Sides to a Successful Fire Suppression System

Fire suppression technology continues to advance, and building codes have also changed to require more fire suppression systems even in residential settings. More people also know that systems such as smoke detectors are necessary wherever they may work or live. However, for a truly comprehensive fire suppression system, you need more than just a detector or sprinkler. Suppressing fires starts with prevention and encompasses everything from suppressing flames to training people on how to behave when a fire emergency hits.

Fire Prevention

The best fire suppression is never having a fire, right? Fire prevention includes ensuring all electrical wiring and gas lines are in good shape and that general common-sense safety protocols are followed, such as not leaving stoves unattended when in use and not burning candles near flammable items. If your workplace has outdoor smoking areas, place them away from brush and foliage so that people don't throw ash into plant matter.

Immediate Suppression

If a fire does start up, suppressing the flames immediately is obviously essential. Sprinklers are among the most effective tools for this. You can help further by placing fire hoses and extinguishers around the building, be it an office or an apartment building, so that occupants can help extinguish smaller fires.

Preventing Spread

Along with trying to put out the flames comes preventing the flames from spreading. Stairwells should have fire doors that stay closed to prevent flames from one floor from spreading to others. Ducts should be cleaned regularly to remove built-up dust that could burn. Plants outside should be kept well-trimmed in accordance with defensible-space guidelines to reduce the chances of flames from one building spreading to others via landscaping.

Human Behavior and Training

Finally, there is the human factor. People need to know how to behave before and during fires. They need to know not to leave candles burning unattended and not to place flammable items near that space heater they might have under their desk, for example, and they need to know to keep the fire doors closed and to not toss cigarette butts around carelessly. They also need to know how to get out of rooms that may be near fires (e.g., feel the door first, crawl to stay under smoke layers). If you have people panicking and thwarting fire suppression systems, the outcome of a fire could be much worse than it has to be.

It's essential that you go over your building's fire suppression system and have components like sprinklers and alarms upgraded if necessary. Hold drills and identify weak spots that need more attention. For more information about fire suppression systems in your building, contact local professionals like Advanced Fire & Safety Inc.