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Make Sure Your Business Is Protected With A Modern State Of The Art Commercial Fire Alarm System

Time and money are constant concerns for any business, and many businesses find it difficult to find the capital needed to maintain, repair, and replace their aging commercial fire alarm systems. Over time, this can present a deadly serious threat to the business because old systems simply won’t provide the protection required to protect lives and property. While it might seem to be penny wise, it is ultimately pound foolish to not ensure you have a modern state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system protecting your business.

Detection Can Be Diminished Without a Modern State Of The Art Commercial Fire Alarm System

Yesterday’s technology can wear out and lose effectiveness over time. Wires can become loose, shorts can develop, sensors can become blocked, and any number of components can seize up and stop functioning. Many of these problems are not readily apparent and may be missed on a visual inspection. These factors can degrade the detection systems functionality, thus upgrading to a modern state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system is a must to ensure your business is protected.

Conditions Can Affect Performance if you don’t update to a Modern State Of The Art Commercial Fire Alarm System

The conditions commercial fire alarm systems are subjected to on a daily basis can have a significant impact on their performance in a fire. For example, if the system is situated within an industrial facility, long-term exposure to heat, chemicals, corrosive materials, and particulates can damage sensors, clog conduits, and cause the system to freeze up rather than alert you to an impending disaster. In fact, the typical lifespan of fire detection and protection equipment in an industrial setting is a mere ten years. For this reason alone, upgrading to a modern state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system is the only way to ensure your business is protected

Technology Marches On

Commercial fire alarm systems technology is evolving by leaps and bounds. A modern state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system offers enhanced detection ability, wireless monitoring, and automatic notifications of emergency responders. The sheer volume of data that can be processed by modern commercial fire alarm systems is mind-boggling and can make a significant difference in the response times, and effectiveness of the response when firefighters arrive on the scene.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

The 1st Alarm team understands your commercial fire alarm systems needs. 1st Alarm knows how to protect our clients from the dangers of fire and the damage it can cause. Our commercial fire alarm monitoring services protect businesses in Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Lubbock, Midland, San Angelo and Oklahoma City. Contact us to learn more about the myriad of ways our fire alarm monitoring can protect your business. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best systems and monitoring plan for your budget and operational 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. As a business owner, you know the importance of early fire detection and how it can save you from completely losing your property. 1st Alarm understands the importance as well and will be there for you 24/7 to ensure you are protected. We will also help you to create a fire safety policy for your employees to reduce injuries and prevent human loss should a fire occur. With 1st Alarm and an advanced commercial fire alarm system, you ensure your business is prepared adequately in the event a fire should happen in your business place.

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.

It Is Simple – Commercial Fire Alarm Systems Save Lives

Fire prevention and safety have come a long way with technology advances. Before commercial fire alarm systems came into the workplace, business owners relied solely on smoke detectors to alert them to danger. These detectors only warned that smoke was present and somewhere in the building there could be a fire. It was up to the owner or designated employee to alert the fire department to come to their address. The smoke detector did help to minimize property loss and loss of human lives. Today’s commercial fire alarm systems are better solutions and utilize advanced diagnostics to alert you if there is a fire inside of your building.

Advancements with Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems not only detect if there is a fire in your business, but they can also tell you the exact location of the danger. Where the smoke detector alerted of danger, commercial fire alarm systems use an addressable head to display exactly where in your building the fire is located. This screen not only shows you where the fire is burning, but it can also show if any people in the area would be at risk.

Prevent Commercial Loss and Save Lives

Knowing exactly where the fire is located allows for help to reach the location and stop or control the fire before a severe loss occurs in your business. This type of fire alarm system will also alert you where a safe route is for your employees or customers to exit the building. Advancements are continuously being created from the addressable head to touchpad panels. These improvements give you, fire departments, and monitoring agencies a better chance to respond directly to the fire and not have to search your premises for its location.

Services for Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Technology has made it possible for you to know when a fire breaks out in your business and its exact location. This early warning will help you save on losses and help you to save lives of your employees or customers. To ensure you receive the full benefits of commercial fire alarm systems, you need to have yours connected to an early alert service through your telephone. These commercial fire alarm monitoring services are manned 24/7 and will immediately send help to your location upon receiving notice of danger. This early alert makes sure help reaches your business as soon as possible, so the fire does not spread and potentially preventing the complete loss of your business.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

Investing In A Commercial Fire Alarm System Is About Dollars And Sense

You have invested your time, savings, and energy into building your business. You have created something that can provide an income for your family and employees. 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 and have the good sense to pay the price before you end up paying a lot more if a fire ends up destroying everything you worked so hard for.

Commercial fire alarms are one of the most valuable assets to any business. They protect lives, physical inventory, equipment, and customers. Moreover, they are required by law. At the end of the day is not just about the dollars required to have a commercial fire alarm system professionally installed in your business, it’s a true business decision that makes good sense.

What to Look For Before Making a Purchase

With advancements in technology, commercial fire alarm systems have become smart sentries that provide solid protection against smoke and fire. The two main types of commercial fire alarms are Conventional Commercial Fire Alarm Systems and Addressable Commercial Fire Alarm Systems.

Conventional Commercial Fire Alarm 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 a structure. These systems often cost less than other options.

Addressable Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are considered to be smart systems. They work much like conventional systems, however, their big advantage is that they identify the location of the fire threat when an alarm sounds. Thus, making it easier to direct emergency responders to the point of origin faster.

Advancements in technology has drastically increased the number and types of features and functions that are available with modern commercial fire alarm systems. One such feature is connecting your commercial fire alarm system with your fire suppression systems. This feature alone can significantly reduce a business’s insurance rates making it easier and faster to recoup the initial investment costs for your commercial fire alarm system.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

Is The Investment In Commercial Fire Alarm Monitoring Really Worth It?

Many businesses wonder whether it is worth the investment to hire a commercial fire alarm monitoring service. It is one more expense that many businesses feel they can do without. The reality is quite the opposite because commercial fire alarm monitoring is an investment. It is an affordable expense that every business can afford to make that delivers reliable protection for both people and property.

How Monitoring Works

Commercial fire alarm monitoring is really very simple. Should the sensors on a fire alarm detect smoke, particulates, or changes in temperature, it triggers a signal to the monitoring station. At this point, the dispatcher determines whether it is a real event or a false alarm. In the event a fire is present, the dispatcher raises the alarm by notifying the fire department. At this point, the dispatcher will pass along critical details regarding the fire including the point of ignition, any fuels or chemicals that are known to be present within the facility, the path of the fire, and the rate of spread throughout the structure.

A commercial fire alarm monitoring service can also offer protection against other threats that face your business. Sensors installed on doors and windows, and motion sensors placed throughout the business can detect unwanted intrusions and protect against burglaries. Panic alarms can be installed to protect employees from robberies. Professional commercial fire alarm monitoring protects your business from a wide variety of threats that go beyond smoke and flames.

The Benefits of Commercial Fire Alarm Monitoring

There are three primary benefits of commercial fire alarm monitoring. The first is that it provides fast and reliable detection of fires. The precious moments a monitoring service saves will save lives. Next, professional monitoring gives firefighters the critical details they need to deliver the proper response. Finally, the expedited and enhanced response delivered by the fire department reduces damage and decreases the costs of rebuilding in the wake of a fire.

Additionally, commercial fire alarm monitoring makes it easier to update and upgrade your system as technology advances. This ensures that your system is in compliance with changes to regulatory requirements. It can also help you save on your monthly insurance premiums and deductibles because a business that is protected with the latest protective systems presents considerably less risk to the insurance company.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

A Modern Commercial Fire Alarm System Will Prove That Mere Seconds Really Do Matter

Moments matter when a fire ignites. The typical fire doubles in size every 60 seconds. It can double even faster if flammable liquids or explosives are ignited by the blaze. A commercial fire alarm system will give people the warning they need to evacuate the area. These moments matter and often mean the difference between life and death. These are the real benefits of a commercial fire alarm system.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System is an Inexpensive Investment in Early Warning

Installing a commercial fire alarm system in a new building runs roughly $2 per square foot of coverage area, and slightly more if the alarm is being installed as part of a retrofit. However, the real investment is in the safety of your employees, clients, and visitors to your property. A functioning fire alarm ensures that if a fire ever erupts that they won’t get caught off guard and suffer potentially fatal burns and smoke inhalation. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of fire related casualties are not caused by burns, rather they are the result of toxic smoke inhalation.

Remote Monitoring Provides Peace of Mind

Modern commercial fire alarm systems have come a long way from being simple smoke detectors. Modern systems can detect everything from carbon monoxide to rising temperatures. Most modern commercial fire alarm systems are connected to a receiver that transmits a signal directly to emergency personnel when a problem arises. This expedites the response time of first responders and provides a reliable layer of coverage that protects the business long after everyone has gone home for the day. In fact, most fires start at night when no one is around and a fire alarm is a 24/7/365 employee that is always on the job.

Modern Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are Compliant with NFPA 72

Building codes are constantly evolving. In addition to the increased possibility of malfunctions, older systems simply may not be compliant with modern building requirements. NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and modern systems are designed so that they are in compliance with the standards that are set forth regarding everything from fires and floods to terrorist events.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

A Professionally Installed Modern Commercial Fire Alarm System Can Actually Save You Money

Heat and smoke detectors along with basic alarms can work well, but a monitored commercial fire alarm system will take your fire safety to the next level. A level where personnel safety is ensured and property damage is minimized. A basic system might detect a fire and might notify personnel as well as first responders. But the question is How Fast? The faster a fire is detected and the faster personnel and fire departments are notified, the more likely the case that lives will be saved and property damage minimized and potentially prevented. You not only have more protection, but you will also save money due to lower insurance premiums and less property losses.

A professionally installed modern commercial fire alarm system can mean lower insurance premiums thus saving you money

The cost of having a commercial fire alarm system installed can often be offset by the savings a business realizes in their insurance premiums. Insurance companies see commercial fire alarm systems as protection for their investment and most offer discounts to customers who have them installed. Reduced property loss is a plus for both you and your insurance company.

A professionally installed modern commercial fire alarm system can mean fewer and less severe personal injury cases thus saving you money

Fires are incredibly destructive and dangerous. With a state-of-the-art commercial fire alarm system, personnel will be alerted to the first sign of a fire threat. This gives everyone in the area time to reach safety before the threat can block exits. This will virtually eliminate the potential for personal injuries resulting from the effects of the fire.

Every second counts when a fire breaks out. A commercial fire alarm system is able to detect smoke if a fire is beginning to smolder, if there is a change in temperature indicating a fire may be eminent, when there is actually a fire present, and any other circumstances indicating a fire is a real threat. A fire alarm monitoring system sends an alert to the Fire Department immediately. The sooner the Fire Department can reach your business; the better your chances are of not suffering a significant loss. This can be the difference between completely losing your entire business or suffering only minor damages.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

A Professionally Installed Commercial Fire Alarm System Is Key To The Safety Of Your Employees And Property

Investing in a professionally installed commercial fire alarm system is key for keeping your employees safe and protecting your property. Without the safety net provided by a fire alarm system, your property and workers are vulnerable to fire, smoke damage, and potential injuries. Although a commercial fire alarm system is a significant investment, the advantages are invaluable.

A commercial fire alarm system provides protection for your employees

A modern fire alarm system can detect even the smallest flame or smoke and then alert your employees of the threat. This allows rapid evacuation from an affected area thus saving lives. Training employees on the proper operation and monitoring of your commercial fire alarm system is much easier thanks to technological advances.

A commercial fire alarm system can help prevent property damage

One of the most important reasons for investing in a fire alarm system is to prevent property damage due to a fire. A state-of-the-art fire alarm system can detect the smallest trace of smoke, thus alerting your local fire department right away. This rapid detection, alert and response will keep a small flame from escalating into a large fire.

A commercial fire alarm system can ensure a rapid response from the fire department

When a fire ignites, time is of the essence. Rapid notification followed by rapid response helps to minimize the potential for significant property damage due to the fire. A fire alarm system detects smoke or fire and alerts the fire department as soon as possible, greatly reducing the amount of time between the initial smoke or fire and the fire department response..

A fire alarm system provides around the clock protection

Having a fire ignite in a business while the building is empty is every business owner’s worst nightmare. Installing a fire alarm system gives you peace of mind in knowing that your property is protected at all times, day or night – open or closed.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Doesn’t Prevent Fires But It Certainly Saves Lives And Minimizes Property Damage

Fires can happen at anytime. A spark from a piece of operating equipment, overheating office machines, a lit cigarette in a trashcan, or any of a thousand other causes can ignite a fire. Once ignited, a small flame can quickly spread and grow in size. A commercial fire alarm system can’t prevent the causes of fires, but it can provide personnel with sufficient warning to evacuate the area. It takes mere moments for a fire to grow in size, and these moments can make all the difference in saving lives and property.

Moments Matter

Research shows that a typical office fire can double in size every minute. The more fuel that is present, the faster the fire will grow. The furniture, clothing, and paper in an office space are not only NOT fire retardant but become the fuel for growing a fire.

A typical fire department response time is around 4 minutes. Fire departments are preparing for a continued increase in fire calls over the coming years years due to residential and commercial growth which will put a strain on the current response time.

The quicker a fire can be detected and local fire departments notified the quicker a fire truck is on scene to extinguish the blaze. Modern commercial fire alarm systems provide this level of detection and response as well as gathering information regarding where the fire started. This added information makes fighting and extinguishing the blaze even quicker and more effective. Every second saved by rapid detection and alerts provided by a commercial fire alarm system can be a life saved and a business saved from devastating damage.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are Worth the Investment

In addition to the potential for loss of lives and property, a fire can put a business permanently out of business. The cost of installing and maintaining a commercial fire alarm system is far less than the potential losses resulting from not having one.

No amount of planning can completely eliminate every potential fire threat. The key to protectection is ensuring that if and when a fire does break out, your commercial fire alarm system can provide timely warning to employees and fire departments.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

Let 1st Alarm Help You Determine The Right Commercial Fire Alarm System Design And Installation You Need For Your Business

Choosing a fire alarm system isn’t a very exciting activity, but it can save you from plenty of unpleasant excitement down the road. The right fire alarm system in the right position can save property and lives so it’s something that you want to give considerable thought to. When choosing a fire alarm system, we advise clients to keep the following things at the forefront of their decision-making process.

Selecting a Fire Alarm System

There are two primary types of fire alarm sensors; Ionization and Photoelectric. Ionization alarm sensors detect invisible particles generated by fast moving fires, while photoelectric sensors detect visible fire particles generated by fires that smolder before erupting into flames. Each of these types of fire alarms will provide strong protection against fire, however, many manufacturers and fire professionals recommend installing both types of sensors within the home or office for maximum protection.

You may also consider installing a fixed temperature heat detectors or carbon monoxide detectors for use within areas such as kitchens or garages where engine fumes and burned dinners can sometimes trigger false alarms. The downside to using these devices is that they don’t trigger until after combustion has taken place which reduces the warning time and protective benefits.

If you have a “smart” home, you may want to consider installation of a wifi enabled smoke detector. This can provide a considerable blanket of protection and also makes it easier to respond to alarms that may trigger while you are away from the home or business. These interconnected fire alarm systems can be controlled from a smartphone, tablet, pc, etc. Some devices can even collect audio recordings that can be stored and used as evidence to show fire progression and events that occur prior to and during the evacuation of the structure.

Positioning & Maintaining Your Fire Alarm System

Fire alarm systems should be positioned so that they provide as much warning time as possible of an imminent threat. Maintaining a fire alarm system is simple and requires little more than replacing the batteries when they lose their charge and die, and replacing the fire alarm system every ten years as they typically lose their effectiveness around this time. It is also important to place fire alarm systems in positions where airflow is not restricted or unduly affected by air currents generated by fans or ventilation systems.

Residential Structures

Within residential structures, fire alarm systems should be installed in each bedroom and within the corridors of every level of the home including the basement and garage. It is also a good idea to install a fire alarm system in the kitchen and laundry room as these areas typically contain a host of flammable materials. When placing your fire alarms in these rooms, it’s advisable to place them no closer than 10 feet from cooking surfaces and washers/dryers. This will minimize “false alarms” caused by burnt steaks and vent exhaust.

Commercial Structures

Fire alarm systems should be placed in corridors and within any areas that contain flammable materials. Local fire codes related to your industry and building function will most certainly vary so it is important that you discuss placement with the Fire Marshall prior to making a final decision regarding where, how many, and the necessary functionality of your devices.

Put Your Trust in 1st Alarm, the most Reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Testing and Monitoring Company in Texas

Enhance The Security Of Your Business With A Professionally Installed Commercial Fire Alarm System

Your business needs a commercial fire alarm system to ensure early warning can be given if a fire breaks out in your complex. Fire alarms are able to be installed in almost any location within a commercial building and will give you more cost effective smoke and fire protection. With greater detection and early warnings, your business is more secure not only for your employees but for your customers as well.

Why a commercial fire alarm system is essential to the security of your commercial business

When you connect your business to a commercial fire alarm system, you can be assured of an early warning when or if a fire breaks out in your building. Early warning is important so evacuation of your employees can be completed before the fire spreads. These systems are able to notify emergency teams in case there are any injuries. The Fire Department will also be notified immediately for a faster response time.

Types of commercial fire alarm system detectors

You can use a particular kind of detector or a combination of them. The different detectors work by sensing one or more elements associated with a fire. The most common include the smoke detector, heat detector, and flame detector.

The smoke detector will alert you if there is evidence of smoke particles present. They are able to respond quickly to even the smallest particle of smoke resulting from flames or hot fires.

The heat detectors are generally used in businesses that generate a dense smoke during their normal operation process. These sensors react to a broad temperature change or at a predetermined temperature you’ve set for them.

The flame detector looks for specific types of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light which are emitted by flames. When this kind of light is detected, it sends a signal to your alarm.

Why you should install a commercial fire alarm system

The best way to minimize a disaster is prevention. A commercial fire alarm system is essential to preventing a disastrous fire. The top reason and benefit of the system is that it can save the lives of you, your employees, and in some cases your customers.

Early detection of a fire is also your key to preventing expensive property damage. Fire can spread quickly and depending on the age of your structure just a tiny flame can quickly become a full building burn. With early detection, you can receive quicker response time from the Fire Department, so you do not experience a complete loss of your structure.

A commercial fire alarm system is also on the job 24/7, so you can focus on the operation of your business and not worry about fires in the middle of the night. The right fire system not only sends an emergency alert to the Fire Department, but it will also send a message to you regarding the emergency.

Importance of fire detection in your workplace

It doesn’t matter what type or size of business you operate. Any business in any sector needs to be aware of their fire risks. Fire Departments advise that in a fire emergency, seconds count in saving lives. A commercial fire alarm system provides those needed seconds for alerting persons in your building of the danger and giving them the added seconds to reach safety.

Prevent commercial fire emergencies and install a fire alarm system in your building. Fire alarm service companies are available to help you determine the system that will work best for you.