How to Choose a Commercial Fire Alarm System
You’ve probably heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to fire alarm systems for your business, that saying couldn’t be more true. A properly installed and maintained fire alarm system can help you avoid costly losses and injuries due to fires by providing early warning and allowing occupants time to evacuate safely before flames take hold.
5 Considerations for Commercial Fire Alarm System Decisions
1. Compare types of fire alarm systems.
There are many types of fire alarm systems available, each with its own pros and cons. Prestige Alarm designs compliant fire alarms that adhere to all applicable codes and regulations, from national regulations to your local AHJ’s requirements. Our NICET-certified team will customize a fire system to your property layout and business operations, integrating 24-hour live monitoring. At the first detection of smoke, your system will alert building occupants, and our central monitoring station will dispatch the nearest emergency personnel.
2. Consider the size and layout of commercial buildings.
Before you can choose the right fire alarm system for your business, you must consider the size and layout of your building. As a general rule, buildings with more than one story are considered “high-rise” structures. Suppose a high-rise building does not have an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout its entire structure. In that case, it must be zoned according to local fire codes to provide adequate protection from fires that may occur on different floors of such buildings.
In this case, zoning may be used in larger buildings where multiple zones are required by local regulations because of their height or location within city limits.
3. Implement industry requirements and regulations.
As a business owner, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations and requirements that businesses must adhere to in terms of fire alarm systems. Different industries may have different requirements, so it’s important to do your research and ensure that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
For example, if you operate a restaurant, you may be required to install a kitchen hood system that will automatically suppress fires in your cooking area. Similarly, if you operate a laboratory, you may be required to install a fire suppression system specifically designed for use in laboratory environments.
4. Evaluate related systems, features and functions.
In addition to the basic fire alarm system components, a variety of additional features and functions may be useful for certain businesses. For example, voice evacuation systems can provide clear and concise instructions to building occupants in the event of a fire, which can help prevent panic and confusion. Remote monitoring is another valuable feature that can allow you to keep an eye on your fire alarm system from anywhere in the world. This can be especially useful for businesses with multiple locations or that require around-the-clock monitoring.
An important component of fire safety during an emergency is the communication between first responders. Some commercial buildings – often large or high-rise buildings and those with underground levels – have weak radio signals. Bidirectional amplifier (BDA) systems boost and enhance radio frequency signals within buildings, ensuring that emergency personnel can stay connected everywhere on site. These systems are not just helpful—they’re often required by code. It’s important that you work with knowledgeable industry leaders who are aware of the latest regulations and can implement solutions to address them.
5. It matters which commercial fire alarm company you choose.
When it comes to choosing a fire alarm company, it’s essential that the company has relevant knowledge and experience. This will ensure that they understand your unique needs and can provide you with the best possible solution.
As a premier Honeywell Gamewell-FCI fire alarm supplier, Prestige Alarm designs, installs, monitors, inspects, and services commercial fire alarm systems. For 25 years, we’ve installed state-of-the-art smoke detection and fire alarm systems for hospitals, prisons, law offices, government buildings, and more throughout Central Alabama and the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area.
Choose Prestige Alarm as Your Life & Safety System Partner
Choosing the right fire alarm system for your business is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. By considering factors like building size and layout, industry requirements and regulations, and additional features and functions, you can select a system that meets your needs and provides the best possible protection for your employees, customers, property, and business assets.
Remember to choose a reputable fire alarm company that offers regular maintenance and testing services, and don’t forget to stay up-to-date on all relevant laws and regulations. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in your business and protect yourself from costly losses due to fires.
If you’re a Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area business owner, contact Prestige Alarm to get started today!
