Fire Protection System Strategy

Although commercial building fires have decreased slightly over the last few decades, the cost of fire-related property damage has skyrocketed. Fire risk in commercial buildings should always be a top priority. The life safety, property, and business liability issues resulting in a fire can be dire.

Incorporating Multiple Systems

The most comprehensive way to protect your building is a combination of active and passive fire protection. A balanced system consists of an alarm with emergency monitoring, fire suppression, and passive fire-resistive building materials such as fire-rated floors, pressurized stairways, etc.

Alarm systems with remote monitoring will automatically alert emergency services and shut down a portion of HVAC systems so fresh air is not supplying the fire. Remote monitoring also ensures proper steps are taken immediately following any potential issues.

Fire Suppression Systems

There are three main fire suppression systems:

• Water – is the most common system, primarily due to its lower cost
• Gas – is more costly but ideal for spaces where water could damage expensive equipment like machinery, military storage, and medical facilities
• Clean Agent – is considered the safest system and ideal when protecting high-value items like historical artifacts or sensitive electronic equipment