Fire alarms are a critical part of any comprehensive fire protection system. When a smoke detector senses a fire, or a sprinkler head engages, the fire alarm sounds the alert. Manual pull stations also allow building occupants to announce an emergency if they spot flames before the sensors do.
Fire alarms are effective for ensuring everyone evacuates safely, but what about putting out the fire? Does a fire alarm system alert the fire department automatically?
Sometimes, fire alarms are “single-station” systems, meaning they are connected to smoke detectors, heat sensors, sprinkler heads, and pull stations in the building, but they do not alert the fire department automatically. If you have this type of system, you must call 911 to get help, but what if you forget in the chaos of the moment? Or what if the fire breaks out when the building is vacant?
The best solution in these scenarios is to set up fire alarm monitoring.
What Is Fire Alarm Monitoring?
A monitored fire alarm system is connected to the fire department via a phone line, cellular dialer, or network connection. When the fire alarm goes off, a signal is sent to a monitoring station, which forwards the message to the fire department.
In mere seconds, emergency responders are on their way to your business. The whole process occurs automatically, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to call or fretting about what could happen when you’re away from the building.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Fire System
Fire alarm monitoring is just one aspect of total fire protection. For the greatest safety and peace of mind, you need a comprehensive fire system from a single vendor like State Systems Inc. A well-rounded fire protection approach includes the following:
- Education and prevention: By learning how to prevent fires and stay safe when they occur, you minimize the potential for property damage and loss of life. State Systems Inc offers fire protection inspections, code compliance services, fire extinguisher training, and other preventative measures to help keep you safe.
- Detection and alarm: This is where a monitored fire alarm fits into your fire protection plan. The system should include smoke detectors, heat sensors, pull stations, annunciators, and notification devices, such as strobe lights, bells, and public address systems.
- Active suppression: State Systems Inc installs an extensive selection of fire suppression devices, including fire sprinklers, automatic fire suppression, and fire extinguishers.
- Passive resistance: Modern buildings are designed to slow the spread of fire so suppression devices and emergency personnel can work more effectively. State Systems Inc can make your building’s fire doors, fire dampers, and fire-resistant construction as effective as possible with routine testing and inspections.
- Fire service: This aspect of your fire protection plan refers to the professionals who respond to your emergency. As long as your fire alarm is monitored, it will alert the fire department automatically so you have the best chance of minimizing property damage and getting things back to normal as quickly as possible.
Fire Alarm Monitoring & Other Fire Protection Services in the Mid-South
Fire alarm monitoring is clearly an essential part of your overall fire safety plan, but many other components must come together to provide comprehensive protection. With State Systems Inc as your fire protection partner, you can ensure maximum safety and peace of mind. We can serve as your fire alarm monitoring station, fire extinguisher trainer, code compliance expert, repair technician, and more.
To set up fire alarm monitoring or ask about our other fire protection services, please contact us at 901-531-6550 today. We serve businesses in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
