Since fires can occur for a variety of reasons, it’s important to schedule regular safety inspections. It’s been determined that utilizing both automatic sprinklers and early warning systems can make a significant impact on reducing injuries, fatalities, and property damage. When all buildings have these two systems in place, it can reduce the overall number of incidents by at least 50%.
A Brief Overview of Fire Statistics
Half of the fires that break out in high-rise buildings, for example, are in apartments, hotels, medical facilities, and office buildings. On an annual basis, hotel and motel fires cause property losses that amount to $76 million. Electrical malfunctions caused 19% of the non-confined hospital fires between 2004 to 2006. Other incidences that occurred in medical facilities were confined cooking fires, which amounted to 55% of the total number.
Warehouse fires, however, have actually declined. In 1980, there were 4,700 warehouse fires, while in 2011, there were 1,200.
System Failures Due to Poor Maintenance
During the time period of 2006 to 2010, a lack of maintenance was responsible for a large percentage of dry or possibly wet chemical system failures. As a result of this oversight, 44% of these systems failed. Given this situation, the importance of scheduling regular maintenance inspections is further underlined.
Learn More About Commercial Fire Protection Services
When you own or operate a commercial property, there are different types of fire protection services that will be needed. If you have a U.S.-based small data center, for instance, remember that you are required to have an Early Warning Fire Detection system installed. In order to ensure that your fire alarms are functioning optimally, it’s vital to schedule regular fire alarm inspections and fire alarm maintenance appointments.
During a fire alarm maintenance appointment, your contractor will be able to determine whether or not your alarms are in good working order. At that time, it may be determined that your alarms need to be repaired or replaced. While it will depend on the building’s type and purpose, your contractor may recommend that you have additional fire alarms installed. Once you contact your local commercial fire protection company, you’ll be able to learn more about these and other valuable services.
