You have worked hard to build your business. Over the years, you have invested your time, savings, and energy into building something that can provide income for your family and employees, and goods and services for your customers. When it comes to protecting your business, the real question isn’t whether you can afford a commercial fire alarm system; it is whether you are willing to pay the price if you don’t have one.

Commercial fire alarms are a valuable asset to any business. They protect lives, physical inventory, equipment, and customers. Moreover, they are required by law and companies that don’t have functioning fire alarms on the premises can face stiff penalties that include loss of their business license. Even with obvious benefits and penalties, many companies fail to install sufficient fire protection.

The Cost in New Construction versus Remodels

Installing a commercial fire alarm system within a new building is often less expensive than installing one within an existing structure. The reason for this has to do with the wiring and the amount of effort it takes to retrofit and integrate the system into the building. For a new construction, the cost of installing a fire alarm can be as little as $2 per square foot of area protected. In a remodel, that cost may rise to $14. That may seem like a lot, but it is really minimal when you consider the average cost in damages from a commercial fire within a small business exceeds $35,000. That’s just structural damage and inventory loss; it doesn’t include downtime and lost business while the damage is repaired.   

What to Look For When Purchasing a Commercial Fire Alarm System

There are many options when it comes to commercial fire alarm systems. As technology has evolved, commercial fire alarm systems have become smart sentries that provide solid protection against smoke and fire. There are two main types of commercial fire alarms that include:

Conventional Systems – The tried and true fire alarm, these systems rely on zones that are connected via hardwire to a central control panel. These types of systems make it easy to put separate fire alarms throughout the structure. Because of the simplicity of these systems, they often cost less than other options.

Addressable Systems –  These smart systems work much like conventional systems, however, their big advantage is that they identify the point of fire when an alarm sounds. This makes it easier to direct emergency responders to the point of origin and extinguish the blaze faster. This can aid in evacuation and reduces property damage.

When choosing a commercial fire alarm, technology has truly raised the bar on the number of features and functions that are available. Naturally, systems can be easily connected to fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and halon dispensers. In fact, the combination of a fire alarm and a fire suppression system can cut a business’s insurance rates dramatically which helps the business quickly recoup the cost of purchase and installation.

Commercial fire alarm systems can also be connected to video monitoring systems. This provides real time information that can be relayed to first responders in the event a fire breaks out. It can also help reduce the number of false alarms.

The 1st Alarm Team Understands your Commercial Fire Alarm System needs

The team at 1st Alarm understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right commercial fire alarm system to protect your property.

1st Alarm is one of the biggest and best security companies in the region that specializes in both residential and commercial alarm systems as well as commercial fire alarm systems. Serving Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland / Odessa, El Paso, Abilene and San Angelo, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible. We are committed to offering high quality, professional service with the utmost level of integrity. 1st Alarm is the best commercial fire alarm system company in our region as well.  We have personnel trained and certified to meet your fire alarm system needs.  To learn more about how our commercial fire alarm systems may be a great fit for your company, Request a Quote online or give us a call at 800-276-5559.  You can even visit our office near you.