Basics of Fire Alarm Systems

fire alarm systems

The best fire alarm systems, whether you’re looking for something for your home or your business, involve a few essential elements. They should be efficient, most of all, but they should also be easy to use for you and anyone else who needs to know how to operate them. Know the basics of the fire alarm systems available to you, so you can make an informed decision to keep your loved ones, your business, your property, and the things you care about, safe against the dangers of fire.

Fire Alarm Systems Features to Consider

Most of the time, you won’t have to think about your fire alarm system on a day-to-day basis. Most days, you’ll go the entire day without thinking about the fire prevention in your home or business – and that’s the way you want it. Out of mind, but still doing its job.

When you do have to think about and interact with your fire alarm system, you’ll begin to appreciate some of the excellent built-in features.

Programming

Your fire alarm system’s programming features should be set to reflect your business and your life. What are your needs? Which areas need the most protection, and at what times? Many fire alarm systems can program for different zones and different protection needs. Depending on the size of your property, your zones will need to be adjusted. It’s important to find a system that you can easily operate the programming, and teach it to anyone else who needs to know.

Display

When you’re looking at the display for the fire alarm system, it should be easy for you to navigate, easy for you to read, and easy for you to find or input the information you need. Some have touchscreen displays and some have keypad inputs. Some corporate fire alarm systems have large control panels with multiple switches and inputs. No matter what system you need, consider what kind of display will be best for you to use not only during calm times when there is no emergency, but when the alarm is in the middle of going off.

Integration

The future of security and fire alarm systems is that you will be able to monitor, control, program, and access from wherever is most convenient, any time you need to. When you’re choosing the best fire alarm system, consider how it will work together with your security system to keep your property safe. Also consider whether you’d like it to be controlled from on-site controls or via a remote location. You could even use an app to get real-time reports on the equipment and readings in different zones on your property.

Alert System Functionality

Of course, the most important thing about a fire alarm system is that it does its job and properly alerts the people in the building, or surrounding areas, that there is a fire, and leads them to safety. Most fire alarms have an auditory element – alerting people with high-pitched noises, bells, or screeches. There are newly developed fire alarm systems that also use visual cues, such as colored or white flashing strobe lights. There is even a new alarm system that releases a spray of wasabi mist that will awaken sleeping people and is perfect for those with disabilities who may not be able to see or hear other alarms.

In addition to alerting people at the property itself, many of today’s alarm systems also automatically issue an alarm at the local fire department precinct. Within minutes, a fire truck should be dispatched to your property, without any person having to make a call. The information that can be transmitted is specific – telling firefighters the temperature of the fire, the specific areas, as well as details of the building layout that can save lives.

commercial fire alarm and protection systems
Commercial fire protection

Get an Estimate

Once you’ve done some preliminary online shopping and familiarized yourself with the basics of fire alarm systems that might be right for your property, schedule an estimate with a local professional team. It’s ideal that you get someone out to your property to evaluate it specifically, because they can probably make other recommendations to boost your overall fire prevention and response systems.