Many consider fire alarms and fire warning systems costly and unnecessary. However, they have proven to be the first line of defense to prevent incidents from occurring and to minimize the impact of fire incidents.
Fire detection helps to give an early warning and to help occupants and employees respond quickly to move away from danger, reduce the risk of damages and losses, and potentially contain the fire before it can spread by using fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers.
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Emergency Alarms
Emergency fire alarms have saved countless lives and it is the one reason why alarms should never be neglected. They ensure that employees, customers, tenants, and occupants are warned to evacuate and escape the danger.
Lights and alarms cannot combat fires, but they can mitigate property loss and loss of life by alerting people in the vicinity of danger. Fire alarm systems that detect fires can automatically warn people that a fire has broken out, allowing people in and around the building to respond quickly.
It also allows for trained employees and persons to use firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and hose reels to combat the fire until the fire department can handle the situation.
It is, however, important that fire alarm systems and emergency alarms be maintained and that routine inspections are carried out to ensure that they are in good working condition. Malfunctions in the system can delay the reaction of people and emergency responders.
Fire Horns
Fire horns are sirens that typically warn larger areas such as neighbourhoods or towns of fire. These systems are manually activated by officials or emergency teams once there is cause for alarm, or they can be linked to automatic detection systems.
These automatic systems work alongside heat and fire detectors as well as water flow switches. These detection devices send alarms to a main Fire Alarm Control Panel which will automatically decide what to do when there are alarms.
This control panel has the necessary circuitry to sound alarms and must have a reliable source of electricity as well as a battery for backup power. When a control panel sounds different emergency alarms, it also provides power to the necessary fire horns as well as strobes, which are notification appliances.
Fire horns can be installed either inside or outside of buildings. The sound that they make can be adjusted to fit different patterns as well as volume requirements, which is standardized in different countries and regions.
Weatherproof Horns
These fire horns are typically used outdoors as they are not susceptible to weather conditions. Because they have a high tolerance for humidity and different temperatures, they can be installed on outside walls, staircases, and any other surface.
Horn Strobes
These fire horns use a combination of audio and visual notifications, making them more practical and efficient. While the fire horn emits a loud sound, a strobe can notify people who may have a hearing impairment of any dangers.
Low-Frequency Horns
In residential and apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, and hotels, low-frequency fire horns are an ideal choice. Low-frequency tones are especially effective in waking high-risk individuals when there is an emergency without causing panic.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors in the home, as well as workplaces, have become so advanced that they can detect smoke at the earliest possible stage, which also helps to reduce false alarms and minimize maintenance.
There are two main types of smoke detectors namely ionization smoke detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors.
Ionization Smoke Detectors
These types of smoke alarms use ionized particles to detect the presence of smoke. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the current between two electrically charged plates, which triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
When smoke enters these types of smoke alarms, the particles block the light beam and partially reflect light onto the sensors which subsequently triggers the alarm.
While ionization smoke detectors are useful with open fires, photoelectric smoke detectors work for both open and smouldering fires, triggering the alarm before the fire becomes open-flame and alerting emergency services early.
Fire Equipment must be serviced annually with monthly inspections.
Follow this link below to download your free Fire Equipment Checklist.
My Safety Shop - Your One-stop-shop for all your Emergency Alarms and Fire Horns
There are very strict requirements with regards to safety rules and regulations, especially where fire fighting equipment is concerned.
SafetyWallet also understands this but makes provision for its subscribers to have access to a wide range of fire fighting equipment at affordable prices, with discounts.
My Safety Shop and SafetyWallet offers the following:
- Complete Emergency Alarm System
- Conventional Smoke Detector
- Fire Alarm Panel Service, and more
FAQ
How many smoke alarms do I need?
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level and in every room, regardless of whether there is electrical equipment, fireplaces, or any other factor that may lead to a fire.
What is the difference between a smoke alarm and a heat alarm?
A smoke alarm detects smoke while heat alarms are triggered when a room or area reaches a certain temperature.
What kind of fire alarm do I need?
This will depend on the room or premises as different alarm systems are suited to different buildings or areas.
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