Fundamental Configuration Of A Commercial Fire Alarm System

A commercial fire alarm system is crucial to saving lives when tragedy strikes or accidents happen. With a system in place, you and your employees are alerted immediately when a fire or smoke is detected, so everyone has an early warning and a chance to reach safety. The main benefit of a commercial fire alarm system is the early warning advantage; however, they are also cost effective for your smoke and fire protection. Even though these systems are necessary and beneficial to have installed, you don’t need to understand their design, but you should have a fundamental idea of their configuration.

Why it’s important to understand your commercial fire alarm system’s fundamental configuration

A commercial fire alarm system installed in your building is connected to a remote monitoring station, so help is called immediately. You are aware of the danger right away and are able to evacuate your premises quickly before the fire spreads. The system will also ensure medical help is notified in case of emergency and notify the fire department, so they are able to reach your business and hopefully reduce your loss. These systems are life-savers, and you should be aware of their fundamental operation in case you need to perform emergency work.

Basics to understand for your commercial fire alarm system

The basics for you to learn include knowing how to disarm the control panel, troubleshoot the horns and pull stations so your system goes back online as quickly as possible. Problems with these areas can occur, and you want to understand how to restore them, so fire protection is back in place right away.

How detection occurs

The commercial fire alarm system works through a control panel that connects devices such as your smoke detector and heat detector. The panel’s function is to notify of impending danger posed by a fire and to create an alarm. There are different types of systems with elements varying on how they work together. Understanding those systems will help you understand their fundamental operation.

Conventional systems

The Conventional System only has two states, alarm and normal. This method is able to provide information to the necessary personnel alerting them to the fire’s location and what type of device started the fire.

Intelligent systems

An Intelligent System has the alerting devices using a two-way communication method to send messages to the control panel and provides more detailed information than the conventional method. Not only does it provide exact location and device responsible, but it can also determine the sensitivity of the detector and if it’s dirty.

Other systems

There are other systems available that do not rely on software and some that use microprocessors to control the outputs of the system including notification appliances.

Control panel

The control panel is the heart of the system. Understanding how the panel contains the power supplying your entire system and the circuits for the initiating devices will enable you to make sure your commercial fire alarm system is functioning properly and able to keep you protected.

You are not required to understand the fire alarm design or how to install a system, but fundamental information is needed to keep your system functioning properly. Learn the basics of your system before tragedy strikes and make sure you and your business stay protected.

Contact the professionals at 1st Alarm

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. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the alarms we recommend and the monitoring services we offer that can cover your business beneath a blanket of protection.

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.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems For The Office

Fires can happen at anytime. A spark from an industrial machine, an overheating copier, a lit cigarette in a trashcan, and any one of a thousand other causes can start a fire that can spread quickly throughout the building. A commercial fire alarm system can’t prevent the causes of fires, but it can provide employees and customers 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

The typical office fire doubles in size every minute. The more fuel that is present, the faster the fire will grow and the typical office has plenty of fuel to fan the flames. While some pieces of office furniture may be made from fire retardant materials, the vast majority of furniture, clothing, and of course, paper and plastics are not. That is why, when you buy from Brisbane’s leader in high quality office furniture, you have to treat all of your new furniture with care and respect. When a fire breaks out, it is often these common materials that fuel the fire and give it the ability to travel throughout the office. In Amarillo, the average response time is 4 and 1/2 minutes. In El Paso, it is about 4 minutes. Most other fire departments in the area respond within these ranges. Fire is becoming an increasing problem in the area and fire departments in the area are bracing for a continued increase in calls over the next five years as the region grows and more and more businesses open their doors. The faster an alarm goes out from a fire alarm system, the sooner the fire trucks will arrive at the front door. Moreover, modern commercial fire alarm systems can gather information regarding where the fire started which can help in fighting and extinguishing the blaze. The moments a fire alarm saves can provide sufficient opportunity to evacuate and help blunt the damage that a fire can cause.

Where to Install a Commercial Fire Alarm System

Each business is different, and every office has needs that vary depending on the size, layout, and tasks conducted within the space. At a minimum, fire alarms should be installed within storerooms containing combustibles such as cleaning agents, paper, and wood. Fire alarms should also be installed in kitchen areas, break rooms, and any area where machines such as copiers, computers, and industrial machinery are present. Should something start to smolder in any of these areas, the alarm will trigger and alert everyone in the building that there is a threat present.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems are Worth the Investment

In addition to the cost to lives and property, a fire can put a business out of business until the damage is repaired. It’s also important to remember to hire an effective commercial cleaning service to deal with anything that’s left behind after a fire! A commercial fire alarm system coupled with fire suppression systems including sprinklers or clean agent fire suppression systems, and handheld fire extinguishers can minimize the downtime and the overall cost of repairing the damage. Dollar for dollar, the cost of installing and maintaining a high quality commercial fire alarm system is far less than the cost of remediation following a fire. Fires can happen for any number of reasons, and no amount of planning can completely remove the possibility that a fire will break out. However, if a fire breaks out, a fire alarm can provide the timely warning employees need to evacuate and fire departments need to respond. We invite you to contact 1st Alarm to discover more about the fire alarms we install and the steps we take to ensure our clients have the highest degree of protection against fire within their commercial properties.

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.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Is Essential To The Security Of Your Business

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.

Contact the professionals at 1st Alarm

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. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the alarms we recommend and the monitoring services we offer that can cover your business beneath a blanket of protection.

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.

What Type of Fire Alarm System Do I Need and Where Should I Put It?

What Type of Fire Alarm System Do I Need and Where Should I Put It?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.

The team at 1st Alarm Home Security understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes time to choose the right 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 today.  You can even visit our office near you.

The Importance of Functioning Fire Alarm Systems Within Your Home

The Importance of Functioning Fire Alarm Systems Within Your HomeMoments matter when a fire begins to consume a residential structure. As the fire engulfs the home it will consume precious oxygen, make corridors impassable and block routes of escape. Often, it is mere seconds that separate survivors from fire victims. A fire alarm system gives homeowners the moments and seconds they need to get everyone in the family out of the home and away from danger.

Fires Have Voracious Appetites

Many people are surprised to learn that fires can double in size every minute. Depending on the fuel sources available, a fire can go from smoldering to free burning in seconds. The heat and smoke generated during the combustion process can ignite confusion, fear, and make it impossible to evacuate.

The typical house fire burns at temperatures exceeding 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire alarm systems equipped with heat detectors are designed to detect the growth of a fire. When the heat detector and sensors determine a rapid rise in temperature is occurring within the home, they trigger the alarm. This trigger point is usually set somewhere between 117 and 136 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, fire alarm systems are designed to detect fire early before it has had a chance to engulf rooms and passageways in flame.

Fire Alarm Systems Save the Day

Fire alarm systems are designed to sound when they detect the slightest whiffs of smoke and heat. This alerts you, your family, and those in the immediate vicinity to the presence of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that the fatality rate within homes that do not have a properly functioning fire alarm system is more than twice as high as for those that do. Without question, a fire alarm gives homeowners the immediate warning and precious seconds needed to evacuate the home.

Fire Alarm Systems Provide Peace of Mind

When everyone’s tucked in for the night and drifting off to dream, the whole family can rest easy knowing that the fire alarm system is keeping a vigilant guard over the home. As visions of sugarplums and sheep waft through your minds, you can relax knowing that the fire alarm system is making sure puffs of smoke aren’t wafting through the home.

This peace of mind is even greater when your fire alarm system is connected to a home automation system or a home security system. Doing so makes it possible to monitor your home and keep it safe from fire when you are out of town on business or enjoying a relaxing vacation.

Fire Alarm Systems are Affordable Investments

Fire alarm systems are inexpensive investments in protection. Thus, alarms can be placed in every room within the home without burning a hole in your wallet. Moreover, insurance companies love homeowners who install fire alarm systems. These companies offer discounted premiums and deductibles to homeowners who install fire alarm systems in key positions within the home such as the kitchen, laundry room, bedrooms, garage, etc.

Moreover, monitored fire alarm systems that trigger an immediate response from the fire department can also help protect property. Because fires grow rapidly, the minutes a monitored system saves can help protect personal possessions and the structure. This can make it easier and less expensive to recover and rebuild from the ashes.

No one ever expects to have a house fire. It is a tragic experience that happens to “someone else” until the day it happens to you. Homeowners who install and maintain fire alarm systems within their home will be ready when and if that day ever comes.

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 today.  You can even visit our office near you.

Five Reasons Why You Should Install A Commercial Fire Alarm System In Your Warehouse Or Business

If you own a large office building or warehouse, installing a commercial fire alarm system is imperative to keeping your employees and your property safe from fire, smoke damage and possible injuries. Here are five reasons why you should install a commercial fire alarm system in your warehouse or business.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Can Help Prevent Property Damage

The main reason to install a commercial fire alarm system is of course to prevent fires from happening. An advanced, commercial system should detect even the slightest amount of smoke, allowing you and the fire department to respond as soon as possible so that smoke does not turn into a large, damaging fire. With a professionally installed commercial fire alarm system, you’ll be able to stop the spread of a fire in your building. With advanced features such as automatic-closing doors, illuminated exits and high-tech sprinkler systems, you can better prevent property damage in your business.

Reach the Fire Department Quickly With A Commercial Fire Alarm System

With a commercial fire alarm system, your smoke and fire detection system will connect automatically to the local fire department. In the case of an emergency, authorities will be notified immediately. This will reduce the amount of stress on you and your employees during a smoke or fire emergency. Instead of worrying about calling and reporting the fire, people can focus on evacuating the building and helping those in need.

Get 24-Hour Protection

Instead of fire alarms that may only warn you of smoke when you are present in the building, a professionally installed commercial fire alarm system will provide around-the-clock protection for your building and property. Access your alarm system remotely to check for any alarms, and have peace of mind knowing that your fire alarm system will automatically contact the fire department in the case of an after-hours emergency.

Keep Employees Safe

With a professionally installed fire alarm system, you can easily train your employees on how to operate and monitor the system. In the case of smoke or fire, they should be able to safely exit the building and know that the alarm system will connect with the fire department. An alarm system with automatic sprinklers or self-closing doors will protect further damage or injury from occurring.

Integrate an Alarm System

Another reason to install a commercial fire alarm system is to have the ability to integrate a security alarm system. A professionally installed, monitored system normally provides the option to integrate a security alarm system complete with video surveillance and motion detectors alongside your fire alarm system. Control all of your security devices from the same place and be able to access these systems remotely with advanced features.

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.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems: DOs and DON’Ts

When your business is looking to install a commercial fire alarm system in your retail store, office building or warehouse, there are many “Dos” and “Don’ts” one should follow.

Do have your fire alarm system professionally installed.

A commercial fire alarm system is important to the safety of your employees and your business property. Make sure to have the system installed professionally and inspected to make sure it is up to industry and manufacturer’s standards.

Don’t skip inspections of your fire alarm system.

Commercial fire alarm systems need to be inspected on a routine basis. Make sure that you don’t skip these scheduled inspections. Problems are easier to fix if they are spotted early on. Routine maintenance is key to preventing any system malfunctions.

Do train yourself and your staff on fire alarm system operation.

After your new commercial fire alarm system installed in your business, make sure you understand how it functions and how to contact someone for repairs if things aren’t working right. Also, train your staff on how to operate the system. In the case of an emergency, your employees should know the protocol. In case of a false alarm, staff should be able to disarm the system and contact authorities.

Don’t let unqualified people perform maintenance on your fire alarm system.

When following the routine maintenance for your fire alarm system, make sure to have repairs and maintenance completed by certified professionals. It’s best to contact your installation company with any concerns. They can send a certified repair person to your business or recommend another qualified maintenance company.

Do keep a paper trail for your fire alarm system.

Record keeping is very important for your commercial fire alarm system. A good record should display the last date of maintenance, as well as the next scheduled inspection. You as the owner of the system should be on top of these records, as well as train a member of your staff to double check paperwork. Make sure any false alarms; malfunctions or incidents are recorded in your record book.

Don’t let staff and guests ignore fire alarm systems.

If false alarms or accidental discharges are common in your building, it’s time to put a stop to them. Make sure to train your staff on the importance of the fire alarm system and how important it is to follow emergency protocol even when they “know” that it is a false alarm. Make sure your entire team knows to take every fire alarm seriously to better protect themselves, their coworkers, their customers and business 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.

Defend Your Business with a Commercial Fire Alarm System

As a business owner, you are surely aware of the risks of fire throughout your building. Something as simple as an unattended candle to a complex situation like an electrical fire is all that it takes for your business to turn into a dangerous ball of smoke and flames. By acknowledging the risks associated with fire and installing a commercial fire alarm system, you’ll be able to better defend your business and your employees against potential fire risks.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Provides 24 Hour Monitoring

A commercial fire alarm system can provide your business with around the clock monitoring. Having a constantly monitored system will help defend your business and decrease the risk of fire. Since you can’t be at your business 24 hours a day – it’s best to let the professionals look out for potential dangers for you. Fire alarm monitoring systems measure things like smoke, water levels, temperature and more; these systems are expertly programmed to easily identify a possible fire risk.

A Commercial Fire Alarm System Can Be Manual or Automated

When installing a commercial fire alarm system, it is important to have both manual and automated features. Train your employees on how to operate the system, and alert them to any features that they may access in the case of an emergency. If your employee spots a fire before the system reacts automatically to the smoke, they can set off the alarm system manually and get other employees and customers out of the building immediately. The manual feature is also useful in shutting down the system in the case of a false alarm.

Keep Your Business Up To Code with a New Commercial Fire Alarm System

By installing a professional, commercial-grade fire alarm system, you’ll be sure that your business is staying up to compliance and will pass any inspection. Your fire alarm company will keep you up to date with any fire codes, and ensure that your system is thoroughly inspected by a professional as well as a member of the fire department.

Choose a Commercial Fire Alarm System that Suits Your Needs

To best defend your business from fire risks, it’s important to choose a fire alarm system that suits your individual business needs. The main thing is to make sure that the system you have is professionally installed, in proper working condition, and is inspected routinely by a fire safety professional. It is also important to train your employees on how the fire alarm system functions. With so many advances in commercial fire alarm systems, businesses both small and large will be able to equip their retail space or office building with the right system to protect their property and employees. Install a commercial fire alarm system today and defend your business against potential fire risks.

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 today.  You can even visit our office near you.

Save Lives with an Advanced Commercial Fire Alarm System

If you are a business owner with a commercial space, retail shop or office building, installing a fire alarm system should be one of the first things you do before opening your business to your employees and/or the public. By installing an advanced commercial fire alarm system, you’ll be able to detect smoke and fire, prevent disasters and even save the lives of your employees, customers and yourself. Here are some of the advancements in commercial fire alarm systems that help save lives every day.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems for Businesses Large and Small

Before the advanced versions of fire alarm systems available today, smoke detectors were the only way for businesses to detect a potential fire in the building. After initial detection of the fire, the business would hope that an employee was quick to react by calling the fire department and getting the building evacuated as soon as possible. Now, commercial fire alarm systems are designed for both small and large businesses, protecting property and saving lives in the event of an emergency.

Large businesses can benefit from new fire alarm systems because of their ability to detect smoke, heat or fire in any room of a large building. “Addressable heads” are one of the latest advances in commercial fire alarm systems. These smoke detector units are able to pinpoint the exact location of the smoke, heat or fire and warn fire authorities, the business owner and employees before things get out of hand.

Small businesses with a one-room retail shop may think they only need a simple smoke detector system, but could actually benefit from a more advanced fire alarm system as well, equipped with an early detection system and monitoring service. Especially after business hours when their shop or office is vacant – a system that automatically warns the fire department of a problem could save lives of those in nearby spaces or buildings and protect extensive property damage.

Advanced Features of Fire Alarm Systems

Besides addressable heads and early detection advances, commercial fire alarm systems have also been upgraded with new features to help businesses keep their property and employees safe. Some of these lifesaving features include magnetic door releases, touch screen control panels and advanced diagnostic systems.

  • Magnetic door releases installed throughout an office-building, apartment complex or even a school are controlled by the main fire alarm system. In the event of fire, these doors automatically shut to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the building.
  • Touch screen control panels in newer fire alarm systems make their operation easier, creating a user-friendly interface that many employees can be trained to use. With more employees able to detect fire locations and interact with the system, extensive property damage can be avoided and those in harm’s way can be warned to evacuate.
  • Advanced diagnostic systems in commercial fire alarm systems are able to detect malfunctions in the system, as well as pinpoint the location of a possible fire. These diagnostics are also able to distinguish a real threat from a false alarm – saving time and money for the business by only contacting authorities in a true emergency.

With so many advances in commercial fire alarm systems, businesses both small and large will be able to equip their retail space or office building with the right system to protect their property and employees. Install a new or update an old fire alarm system today and help save the lives of your employees, customers and yourself.

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 today.  You can even visit our office near you.

Fire Alarm Systems to Protect Your Office and Employees

As a business, organization or institution with an office building, it is a top priority to have a commercial fire alarm system installed. Protect your office and your employees with an automated fire alarm system. Reduce potential property damage, injury and prevent loss of life with a commercially installed system. Contact the fire department automatically (even after working hours) in the event of an emergency. Commercial fire alarm systems are also designed to work during a power outage. Protect your business and your employees by installing a commercial fire alarm system. Whether you are installing a commercial fire alarm system for the first time, or updating an old system in your office building – you are making a great decision as a business owner.

Reduce property damage with a commercial fire alarm system

A commercial fire alarm system connects a series of smoke detectors and alarms throughout your office building. By monitoring for smoke or a fire emergency in each room of your office building, a commercial system will quickly be able to alert you and the fire department of a fire and prevent extensive property damage to your building. The cost of installing a fire alarm system will prevent you from spending money to replace your entire building in the event of a fire emergency. Now that is a sound investment. It is also important to ensure against other possible hazards by employing proper office and building property maintenance services for general maintenance and fixes around your office.

Prevent injuries and loss of life with fire alarm systems

If a fire occurs during working hours, the lives of your staff and customers are at stake. Fires are extremely dangerous and spread quickly in office buildings with cubical walls and piles of papers. Unfortunately, these office fires do happen and can be extremely harmful to people who might not get out fast enough, or may get injured whilst trying to evacuate the premises. If staff members do get harmed in the process, they might want to look for a work injury law firm local to them if their injury was caused by workplace negligence. If they sustain any injuries from the office, they may require legal assistance from an attorney. However, to limit your business’ chance of this happening, you can install a commercial fire alarm system throughout your building, you can alert employees of any smoke or fire and help them out of the building before it’s too late. Highlight escape routes throughout your building, and you should have first aid signs and fire safety signs all around. If your signs are outdated or worn out, you should invest in some new ones. You can order them online or get them from most office supplies stores, such as office monster. They should be placed in visible areas of the workplace so that employees can see them clearly. Train your staff on fire safety protocol to fully utilize the benefits of a fire alarm system – and be sure your employees know what to do during an emergency.

Contact authorities quickly with a fire alarm system

An automated fire detection and alarm system will alert the fire department in the event of an emergency. Whether you are in the building or away, you’ll only need to focus on getting everyone out of the building as quickly as possible. You won’t need to think about calling the fire department, as your commercial fire alarm system will automatically place the call for you and request an immediate response.

Provide fire alarm protection even during power outages

Another great feature of a commercial fire alarm system is an external back-up system. During bad weather, power outages, or electrical failures – you can be ensured that your fire alarm system will still function properly. Protect your building and your employees from fires during any situation.

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.