There is no nice way of saying this. Fire kills – end of.
This blunt statement may take you aback but a fire is one of the worst incidents to attack a domestic or commercial property. This life-threatening situation causes extensive damage to buildings with costs running into thousands. And the human cost is infinite.
UK fire fatalities
According to a Home Office Fire Statistics Monitor: April 2015 to March 2016, there were 303 fire-related deaths in England. Accidental fires caused the majority of these fatalities (246).
A sobering set of statistics. However, the fact that most of these deaths were the result of accidental fires suggests they were also avoidable. A professional fire alarm and emergency lighting system, maintained on a regular basis, can prevent the loss of life. What’s more, it can also reduce the likelihood of severe injuries such as burns, caused by fire.
Sound the fire alarm
Fire alarms are one of the most important, if not the most important part of your safety system. Neglect this at your peril!
You also have obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure that fire precautions are in place. These include the maintenance of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.
If you are a business owner, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure fire alarms are fitted and working correctly at your premises. After all, you rely on this to warn you and your employees if there is a fire, giving you enough time to evacuate the building.
Are your fire alarms outdated? Fire alarms are like everything else; they have a limited shelf life and need upgrading or replacing once they have reached their sell-by-date. There are different types of fire alarms, ranging from simple set-ups to complex, analogue addressable systems for large corporations. We can advise you about the right fire alarm system to suit your needs (and budget!).
Protecting hearth and home
Domestic properties must have smoke alarms fitted to guard against fire hazards. These alarms should be tested on a regular basis – weekly is best or failing that, monthly. Change the battery every year, unless it is a ten-year alarm, and it’s a good idea to replace the entire smoke alarm after ten years with a new unit. Technology moves on you know.
The Fire Service recommends that householders plan an escape route in case of a fire. They suggest that families discuss this between themselves, thinking about how they would get out of the house in hazardous conditions. This planning often comes without question in a business environment but contingency is essential wherever you reside.
Lighting the way
Fire alarms are one-half of the equation; the other is an emergency lighting system. This is particularly important now that nights are drawing in, making it more difficult for employees to find their way out of a building in case of a fire.
Emergency lighting helps employees find escape routes quickly and safely. Preventing the risk of a panic-stricken rush for the exit in smoky conditions, with deadly consequences. Instead, emergency luminaires and security flood lighting, controlled by sensors will show the way.
We take fire prevention very seriously. Our highly qualified fire alarm installers have the knowledge and experience to advise you about any aspect of fire alarms and emergency lighting systems.
If you want to know more or book a FREE, no-obligation survey, complete the online form, call 01782 595 600 or email by clicking here.