Wrong ideas about fire sprinkler systems are plentiful. These misconceptions can cause business owners or homeowners to hesitate from using these fire suppression systems to protect themselves and their properties.
Sometimes these myths come from what is portrayed about fire sprinklers in Hollywood movies, or they may just be things people hear about fire sprinklers. But today we’ll 
discuss some of the facts versus the myths about Tulsa and Oklahoma City fire sprinkler systems
and how important they are for businesses and homes. Much of this
information and statistics come from the foremost source in fire
prevention – the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
This is one of the widely accepted myths about sprinklers. Although this understanding is often seen in movies, in reality only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate during a fire, spraying water directly onto the fire. “In 84% of home fires where the sprinklers operate, just one sprinkler operates,” NFPA noted.
discuss some of the facts versus the myths about Tulsa and Oklahoma City fire sprinkler systems
and how important they are for businesses and homes. Much of this
information and statistics come from the foremost source in fire
prevention – the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).True or False?
When a fire happens, every sprinkler will activate and thus everything in the house will be ruined.
(FALSE)
This is one of the widely accepted myths about sprinklers. Although this understanding is often seen in movies, in reality only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate during a fire, spraying water directly onto the fire. “In 84% of home fires where the sprinklers operate, just one sprinkler operates,” NFPA noted.
Fire sprinklers will often leak or activate accidentally, maybe even because of a burning match or candle.
(FALSE)
Leaks are extremely rare in fire sprinkler systems, and a sprinkler will not activate from exposure to a burning match or candle. “It is also rare for a damaged sprinkler system to release water, and when it happens, it is almost never an accident. Vandalism or misuse are typically involved,” NFPA reported.
A smoke alarm is enough protection.
(FALSE)
Although smoke detectors alert residents to the presence of a fire danger, they do not in any way help to extinguish the fire. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. Thus, even if you are alerted to the danger, a fire can still spread so quickly that it’s difficult to get out safely. Whereas, fire sprinklers reduce heat, flames, and smoke, giving you valuable time to escape. “Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying if a home fire occurs by about one-third. If you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 80% when sprinklers are present,” NFPA noted.
The water damage by a fire sprinkler system is more extensive and severe than fire damage.
(FALSE)
The automatic fire sprinkler system will control and often extinguish the fire, and the resulting heat and smoke, in the area directly affected by the fire, and thus limit damage to other areas of the house, instead of the entire house being engulfed by fire and smoke. “Home fire sprinklers can control and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene,” the NFPA noted. “Any resulting water damage from the sprinkler will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from fire-fighting hose lines. Fire departments use up to 10 times as much water to extinguish a home fire as fire sprinklers would use to extinguish the same fire.”
“In a home with sprinklers, the average property loss per fire is cut by about 70% (compared to fires where sprinklers are not present,)” the NFPA added.
Fire sprinklers are “green.”
(TRUE)
A study conducted by FM Global found that in the event of a home fire: “Greenhouse gas emissions were cut by 97.8%; Water usage was reduced between 50% and 91%; Fewer persistent pollutants, such as heavy metals, were found in sprinkler wastewater versus fire hose water.”
Residential fire sprinklers are very conspicuous and unattractive.
(FALSE)
“New home fire sprinkler models are very unobtrusive, can be mounted flush with walls or ceilings, and can be concealed behind decorative covers,” NFPA noted.
Residential fire sprinkler systems in Tulsa and OKC are very expensive and will make housing unaffordable.
(FALSE)
The reality is, residential fire sprinklers are affordable and have become more affordable in recent years. “The cost of installing home fire sprinklers averages $1.35 per sprinklered square foot,” the NFPA noted. “To put the cost of a sprinkler system into perspective, many people pay similar amounts for carpet upgrades, a paving stone driveway, or a whirlpool bath. Sales in many U.S. communities where sprinkler systems are available show that, not only are consumers requesting this feature, but also that houses with sprinkler systems are selling faster than those without.”
In fact, installing residential fire sprinklers may help to reduce insurance premiums and quality homeowners for tax rebates.
Check out the other myths about fire sprinklers at the NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative website.
The Tulsa and Oklahoma City fire sprinkler system experts at Mac Systems can also provide you with more information and can design, install, inspect, and maintain your complete fire detection and fire suppression system.
(Photos via the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition)
No comments:
Post a Comment