It continues to amaze me just how difficult it is to convince a company that the potential benefits of installing at very least- a centrally-alarmed fire detection (“fire alarm”) system- is. Let’s briefly review some facts:
The Problem:
v Every 5 minutes a business in the US catches fire. 90% suffer catastrophic losses and 40% never recover (source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA))
v 43% of US companies never reopen after a disaster, and 29% more close within 3 years (Source: NFPA)
v 20% of small to medium size businesses suffer a major disaster every five years (Source: Richmond House Group).
Wow!
So what are the causes of a fire? The exact percentages of causes vary by year, but here is a snapshot from a few years ago (Source: NFPA):
1. Equipment (21%)
2. Arson or suspicious causes (17%)
3. Open flame (15%)
4. Electrical (11%)
The percentages change slightly from study to study, but the causes remain in similar order over the years. The causes are relevant because they indicate that although the “human element” of fire prevention can be controlled, such sources as arson/suspicious are less controllable.
The Solution
As noted in a previous blog, fire sprinklers successfully suppress a fire in ~95% of cases. When they don’t, the cause is usually a human error- such as a partially closed water supply valve. Fire sprinklers are optimal because they save property and lives, as well as systems that are centrally alarmed will notify the fire authorities for the quickest response.
Fire sprinklers, however, require a reliable water supply of sufficient quantity and pressure. They also cost anywhere from $2 to $5 for standard sprinklers and $10 dollars per square foot for special sprinklers (e.g. ESFR).
So when fire sprinklers aren’t a viable solution, a fire detection system can be. Systems cost less than half of fire sprinkler systems to install, and one that is electronically monitored 24/7 by a remote-station (“central station”) allows a fire to be detected and controlled at it’s incipient stage (explanation to follow).
So what are some reasons a company should consider installing a fire detection system? Consider these:
v Over 90% of fires are controlled only at the incipient stage. Fire departments are very limited in their ability to put out the fire and save property once the fire is established. Because of the human danger of fighting a fire, after assuring that building occupants have been evacuated, the second goal of a fire department is to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent exposures rather than saving the building- “surround and drown” is the cliché often used. See figure #1 for an illustration of the traditional fire development curve.
v 78% of all large loss fires (fires that quickly got out of control and created great property damage) did not have a fire detection or protection system (per NFPA statistics).
v Life Safety reasons: In an emergency, occupants of the building will not evacuate as quickly as a result of not being notified of a fire. Remember, smoke is likely to kill someone before the fire itself.
v There are uninsured costs that many companies don’t realize won’t be covered after a fire (most companies are underinsured, but even with adequate insurance, non-insured costs are estimated from 3 to 5 times higher than insured costs).
v If a company does not have “reasonable” preventative/safety measures in a building, their liability and exposure to lawsuits increases.
v Business owners attest that many clients whom go to competitors for products/service after a fire will remain with those competitors for the long term. A fire alarm system is one way of assuring customers that your company is protecting the congruity of its business operations and relations.
v What will be damaged by smoke- let alone fire? A small fire could easily ruin a lot of product as smoke is the primary damaging factor. Unless controlled at the incipient stages, much product could be destroyed by smoke.
v A fire detection/protection system would be an important part of a company’s disaster plan, enabling the company to get up and running quicker with less damage.
v Generally, a company would be a more attractive “risk” to insure if there was detection/protection in place. Commercial insurance rates are higher for buildings without at least fire detection in place, and buildings with fire detection in place will invite quotes from more companies- essentially putting the insurance market forces to work for a company (in other words, higher competition generally means lower rates) So in a nutshell, the likelihood is there that a financial payoff in the long-term would be realized if fire alarm systems are installed.
So in summary…. the principal value of a protection/detection system lies in their early-warning ability (when coupled with a central station alarm system) to reduce the magnitude, spread, and intensity of fire- thus adding to the protection of life and property.
For further information on fire detection systems, consult with your local fire authorities or insurance company.
