The Importance of a Good Fire Protection System in Your Business
Firefighters must respond to a fire somewhere in the United States every 24 seconds. These fires caused a staggering $10.7 billion in property loss in 2017 and claimed nearly 3,400 lives.
With these stark statistics, you might imagine that investing in a fire protection system would be a given. However, many businesses go unprotected.
A Fire Protection System is a Necessity for All Commercial Properties
Comparing the statistics from 2013 to those from 2017, we can see that fire-related property damage and loss of life has only increased.
Without proper fire protection in place, your business and everyone inside is at risk. To make matters worse, if a fire does occur and a court decides that inadequate precautions were in place, the business owner could be found criminally liable for the fire.
So there is clearly too much at stake to go without proper fire protection. But what kind of protection does your business need?
Types of Fire Protection
Fire protection systems can be roughly divided into passive and active precautions. Full protection for your business will require a combination of both types.
Passive Fire Protection
Passive fire protection requires no action or input from the user to function. One key example that every business should have is the presence of emergency exit signs. In the event of an emergency, anyone inside the building will need to have a clear path to the nearest exit. Emergency exit signs maintain maximum visibility in dark or smoky conditions, helping people evacuate safely.
We recommend using LED exit signs in your business. LEDs are energy efficient, allowing bulbs to last significantly longer without needing to be replaced. They are also much more durable, making them more reliable in an emergency.
Active Fire Protection
Active fire protection is what most people think about when considering fire protection. Active systems are anything that requires input or activity in order to function - smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers all fall under this category.
Of these, fire extinguishers are the most integral part of any fire protection plan. Every home and business alike should have a minimum of one fire extinguisher.
Which type of fire extinguisher you need will depend on the requirements of your business. Some are meant for general purpose use, while others are meant specifically for use on electronics or when flammable liquids are involved.
One type is not necessarily better than another. The right option for you depends on your unique situation.
Fire Protection is a Critical Responsibility
Seeing to it that your business, staff, and patrons are properly protected in the event of a fire is just one of the responsibilities of running a business. But by investing in a proper fire protection system, you can see to it that your business is safeguarded, and you are protected from liability.
Service Fire Equipment can help you maximize your protection.
We are fully licensed by the State of Texas and have more than ten years of experience serving the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. In most cases, we can offer same-day service, as well as 24-hour emergency service.