Fire is one of the most consistently damaging hazards in the United States as we know it. Although floods and wind storms cause significant damage across the country year after year, statistics regularly cite fires as one of the most frequent elements in harming people and business figures alike. As such, more and more companies and institutions are seeking out ways of preventing fire and spreading awareness as to reduce this constant risk. From commercial fire sprinkler systems to alarm systems, there is a wide variety of technology available to mediate this danger and keep everyone safe all days of the year.
What Are Common Fire Risks?
These can be caused by even a minor spark or electrical failure. However, they can be easily prevented with awareness and a proactive outlook. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, the timespan between 1980 and 1984 saw automatic extinguishing systems in nearly half of all hospital fires. Recent figures between 2007 and 2011 saw that figure having risen to nearly 80%.
Where Do Fires Frequently Occur?
Fires can occur anywhere there is flammable material, but some locations are more volatile than others. Hotel and motel fires, for example, cause an estimated 15 deaths and 150 injuries on an annual basis. Studies have also shown hotel and motel fires resulting in $76 million in property loss and damages. The four property classes account for half of all high-rise fires in the country — offices, hotels, apartments and facilities that house the elderly or the sick. Warehouse fires, in particular, are associated with a higher than average property loss per fire than most other occupancies in America. However, fires in warehouse properties have declined significantly between 1980 and 2011.
How Do You Prepare For A Fire?
Preventing one requires you be up-to-date on the latest technology, safety plans and escape options. A survey of nearly 120 businesses found only 35% having any sort of fire evacuation plan in place — considering flames and smoke can easily overwhelm even a small group of people, it’s essential to be prepared for the worst-case scenario no matter what. Technology should already be installed in primary locations, including alarms, sprinklers and detection software.
How Do Fire Alarms And Sprinklers Work?
Detecting smoke can be nearly impossible in a crowded or small building. By the time people are able to smell anything wrong the damage might already be done. Alarms are a necessity to alert any and all staff and customers to the possibility of a fire so they can safely evacuate, while sprinklers can reduce the potential damage done until help can arrive. A study of fires around the country saw sprinklers operating in 90% of all reported structure fires large enough to actually activate the sprinklers on-site. When it comes to chemical systems, most surface burning and open flames will stop when the amount of CO2 in the air is 20% or lower.
How Can I Stay Safe?
If you want to keep your property safe you need to call a protection contractor for an inspection. They can look over the structural integrity of your hotel or apartment complex to identify potential hazards, update your already existing technology and teach you ways of establishing a reliable escape plan. Fire prevention and detection is critical for both maintaining people’s safety and ensuring precious data and resources aren’t lost — spending on data facilities, for example, have reached almost $150 billion as of recent years. When it comes to fires, it’s better to be safe than sorry.